Yamashiro Historic District, Historic estate in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, United States
Yamashiro Historic District is a Japanese-inspired estate set on a hillside in the Hollywood Hills featuring reconstructed palace buildings, gardens, and authentic Asian art pieces from the original collection. The property encompasses nine preserved structures, including the main building which currently operates as a restaurant offering views across Los Angeles.
Two German-American brothers built this estate between 1911 and 1914 as a display for their Asian art collection. The site later became a fashionable gathering place in Hollywood, experienced decline during World War II, and eventually transformed into a dining establishment.
This place served as a gathering spot for Hollywood's elite and retains a sense of glamour from that era. Visitors can see how Asian design and art were valued as symbols of sophistication by wealthy collectors in early 20th-century Los Angeles.
The property sits elevated in the Hollywood Hills with parking available for those visiting the restaurant or exploring the grounds. A vehicle is advisable for access since the location sits away from main transit routes and public transportation is limited.
The original construction featured 300 steps winding through the gardens and rooms with carved wooden beams covered in gold lacquer, along with silk-covered walls. The owners operated a private zoo with exotic animals on the grounds, an unusual addition for an urban property in Los Angeles.
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