Yamashiro History: How A Japanese-Inspired Mansion Became A Hollywood Landmark

A place of elegance and heritage is located high above Hollywood. The city hum disappears into the hills. Yamashiro is more than just a scenic destination; It’s a journey steeped in history, beginning more than a century ago when two inspired brothers set out to bring the elegance of the East to the hills of Los Angeles.

Yamashiro: From Kyoto to California

Adolph and Eugene Bernheimer began building a house unlike any other in 1911. They were inspired by their passion for Asian culture and art to create a luxurious estate that was modelled after the Yamashiro Province near Kyoto in Japan.

In order to make their vision a reality, they hired hundreds of Japanese master craftsmen who ensured that every lantern, beam, and stone reflected true Japanese art. In 1914, the estate was 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, earning it its name of Yamashiro or "Mountain Palace."

It was not just a show of wealth but a cultural landmark since the day it opened.

The Hollywood Hills: A Quiet Jewel

In the 1920s,Hollywood was in its golden age. Yamashiro has become a famous retreat for growing stars and filmmakers.  Its panoramic views, peaceful gardens and architectural beauty offered a contrast to the noise from the studios below.

Gradually, the estate began to transform. It was no longer a private home but a place for discreet gatherings and then a destination for dining and socializing. The word spread even without a grand opening or glowing signs.

The view was the main attraction, but people stayed for something else: a timeless feeling of wonder and calm.

Restoration and Revival

In 2017, an intensive transforming task for Yamashiro’s 100th  Anniversary honoured the property’s legacy. Designers and craftsmen laboured collectively to repair authentic features, including hand-carved wood panels or symbolic wall artwork. To mirror delicate designs from the past, custom cherry blossom woodwork has been reintroduced.

The end result was an area that turned into both cutting-edge and cushty, even as still last to its historical roots.

The Past: A Walk Through the Pages

Yamashiro is a rich and diverse place. Entrance and Driveway was once the entrance to a private collection of Asian treasures. Now, it opens into a fantastic dining room with panoramic views of the city.

The Sushi bar, which faces south, gives a glimpse of what used to be the Bernheimers lounge, a room that still has echoes from its elegant past.

The Garden Courtyard remains a central sanctuary. It is now decorated with a Koi Pond, where fish older than 60 years glide silently through the water.

The Waiting Area features the return of the cherry blossom woodwork that was lovingly created as part of the centennial renovation.

You'll find a peaceful Buddha in the gardens, unaltered and watching over the grounds.

On-site, the legendary 100-year-old bicycle is still present. It's a charming reminder of Yamashiro’s connection to its early days.

Don't forget the vintage postcards that were once sent from this hilltop paradise to all corners of the globe, letting the world know about LA's secret mountain palace.

A Call to Explore Beyond a Meal

Yamashiro is a hidden chapter in Hollywood's history. Each architectural detail and every breeze that blows across the courtyard speaks of another time, a different world. It's all here, preserved perfectly for modern guests.

You can enjoy a romantic evening, an evening spent with friends, or just watch the sunset over Los Angeles. This space is a tribute to more than 100 years of beauty, resilience and cultural appreciation. Now is the time to reserve your spot!