Nestled in the opulent Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles lies Yamashiro, an extraordinary Japanese-inspired estate with roots tracing back to the 14th century. This historic landmark has transformed over the years, emerging as both a revered restaurant and a symbol of cultural fusion in America.
The story of Yamashiro begins in the early 1900s when brothers Adolph and Eugene Bernheimer, who were born in Germany, carved out a niche for themselves in New York by importing Asian goods. In 1911, they acquired a Hollywood knoll and set out to construct a grand estate known as Yamashiro, designed with a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural elements.
One of the estate’s standout features includes a tiered pagoda imported directly from Japan, which now stands as a 600-year-old relic beside the Pagoda Bar and swimming pool. Yamashiro Hollywood claims this pagoda as the oldest structure in California, an embodiment of the ambition behind the estate’s design.
Construction of the estate wrapped up in 1914, coinciding with a significant period marked by the California Alien Land Law. This law prohibited many immigrants, particularly Japanese, from owning land. Despite this societal backdrop, the estate’s design was a celebration of Asian culture, making it a standout property at the time.
The Bernheimer brothers, however, had a short-lived tenure at Yamashiro, selling the estate in 1922. Following their departure, the property underwent several transformations. The elite 400 Club of Hollywood adopted Yamashiro as its headquarters, where stars like Buster Collier and BeBe Daniels congregated.
Later, the estate was opened to the public as the ‘Hollywood Japanese Gardens,’ offering scenic views and experiences until the outbreak of World War II. The war unleashed a wave of anti-Japanese sentiment, leading to vandalism that stripped the estate of many of its beautiful decorative elements. As a result, the once-cherished property was altered significantly; its name was changed, and its Asian-inspired architecture was covered and painted over.
During the subsequent years, Yamashiro was repurposed as a military boys’ school and later converted into apartment units before falling into disrepair. However, salvation came in 1948 when Thomas O. Glover purchased the estate with the intention of demolishing it. Upon discovering original woodwork and intricate wallpaper, he decided to preserve the intricacies of Yamashiro.
Glover transformed part of the property into the Hollywood Hill Club cocktail lounge, which eventually evolved into the stunning Yamashiro Hollywood restaurant we know today. Known for its breathtaking views and atmosphere, Yamashiro has garnered a reputation as one of Los Angeles’s most beautiful dining establishments.
The restaurant specializes in Japanese-inspired cuisine, boasting an extensive menu that spans from brunch to gourmet steak dishes and inventive cocktails. Today, it attracts both celebrities and locals eager to savor sushi while soaking in the picturesque garden vistas overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.
As a cinematic landmark, Yamashiro has made memorable appearances in notable films and television shows, including ‘Kill Bill,’ ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ and ‘Gone in 60 Seconds.’ This historic site continues to thrive as a testament to its rich heritage, entrancing visitors while serving a delightful culinary experience in an enchanting setting.
image source from：secretlosangeles
