Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, “Picturesque” Series, c. 1940.

Lobby view, Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, c. 1940.

“Work on the new Grand Hotel on the Bund Yokohama was started early in April. It is expected that the hotel will be completed in August 1927, and will be open for business in September of that year.

“The Mayor of Yokohama some time ago initiated the movement for new and adequate hotel facilities following the earthquake and fire which practically destroyed the city. As a result of his efforts, the city appropriated ¥1,150,000 (US$575,000) of which ¥1,000,000 was set aside for building expense; the remainder to be used for the purchase of a site. A committee of Japanese and Americans undertook the work of building following their organization of a company with a capital of ¥1,000,000. The new building was designed by Mr. Z. Watanabe, a Tokyo architect.

“It will have one hundred rooms and will accommodate one hundred and eighty guests. There is provision for dinner parties, banquets balls, and other social functions. The plans have been drawn along the lines of the most approved hostelries in Europe and the United States The building is to be fire and earthquake proof.”

– Japan Society, March 1926

From the wiki: “The Hotel New Grand is a historic hotel in Yokohama, overlooking Yamashita Park. It opened in 1927, four years after the Great Kantō earthquake devastated much of the city. The hotel was used as accommodation by American troops during the Occupation of Japan following World War II; one of the hotel suites is still set aside and maintained just as it was furnished when General Douglas MacArthur stayed there.

“Over the years, the Hotel New Grand has welcomed many famous dignitaries and celebrities through its historic doors, including Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, the Duke of Gloucester, and more. The famous Japanese master writer, Jiro Osaragi, was a resident of Hotel New Grand in room 318 for more than 10 years.

“Designated a historic monument, this culturally rich hotel offers unparalleled views of Yamashita Park and Yokohama Bay.”