Moved by 100 Years of History! “Honjamaka” Hidehiko Ishizuka Vows to Return to This “Prestigious Hotel”

It seems even the “God of Baseball” stayed here once.

Hello, everyone. I’m Hidehiko Ishizuka—the guy who went to a shrine hoping to receive some divine power, only to sigh at the length of the stone steps leading up to the main hall and end up worshipping from below.

Now, in this post, I’d like to write about the “Hotel New Grand,” a source of pride for my hometown of Yokohama.

My first encounter with it was when I was in elementary school. During a field trip to Yamashita Park, as I was sketching the Hikawa Maru, I happened to glance right behind me and saw a hotel with an appearance that exuded history at first glance, bearing the words “HOTEL·NEW·GRAND” in English.

As an elementary school student, seeing the English sign made me think it was an American building. Forty years after that first encounter, I was finally able to go inside during a TV show shoot. It felt like a first date with someone I’d been thinking about for 40 years, so—unusually for me—I did some research beforehand.

It opened in 1927. I learned that a veritable who’s who of famous figures had stayed there, including the “King of Comedy” Charlie Chaplin, American baseball player Babe Ruth, and General MacArthur. On the day of my visit, I approached the entrance feeling quite nervous. A staff member, wearing a spotlessly crisp shirt and sporting a refreshing smile, said to me—dressed in overalls—“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you,” and opened the door for me.

In the center of the front lobby, a huge, dazzling floral arrangement greeted me. A large chandelier hung from the high ceiling, enveloping the space in warm light.

As I walked down the serene hallway, the grand staircase—which I’d only ever seen in photos—came into view. It was carpeted in a blue rug so expensive it made me wonder how much it cost, and the banisters were made of brass. Looking up, I saw a large round clock on the second floor, surrounded by exquisite carvings.

Even though I usually hate stairs, this time I practically rushed up to the second floor. The walls, windows, and lighting—everything was such a treasure that I wanted to take it on the TV show *Anything Appraisal Team*. I even got to sit in the “chair that brings happiness when you stroke the angel,” which has an angel carved into the armrest.

Enjoying a dish from the New Grand’s original menu

Five years later, true happiness finally came my way. I had the opportunity to stay there as a private guest.

From the entrance to the front desk, the hallway, the elevator, and the room—there’s no gaudy flashiness anywhere; instead, you can feel the dedication of the staff who have kept this place going for nearly 100 years.

The room is designed to be even more relaxing than my own parents’ home. When I opened the curtains, the Hikawa Maru—which I used to draw as a child—appeared right before my eyes. With views of the Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Grand Pier, it felt as if a picture-postcard world had come to life. Even though I don’t usually drink coffee, I found myself instinctively turning on the coffee maker.

This time, hoping to learn not only about the building but also about the history of its cuisine, I headed to “The Café” on the first floor. In fact, the New Grand has several menu items that originated right here.

Seafood doria, Napolitan pasta, and pudding à la mode. The seafood doria is packed with so many shrimp that it’s enough to deplete the Pacific Ocean’s shrimp population. The white sauce, made with the full cooperation of the seafood suppliers, is infused with the finest flavors. I’m grateful to the chefs who have preserved this taste for generations.

The next morning, we had breakfast at “Le Normandie,” where we can enjoy authentic French cuisine, while gazing out at Yokohama Harbor. The fluffy omelet, the smoky sausage, and the bread were all delicious.

Right up until the moment we checked out and left the hotel, we were showered with warmth by the proud staff, our hearts stirred by its history, and soothed by the beautiful scenery. The New Grand is not just any hotel. I’ll definitely be back.

From the August 21 & 28, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*