Historic Hollywood

directors, and celebrities formed their first social
institution as a monument to their industry.
Like the rest of the country, Hollywood
suffered during the Great Depression. But
Yamashiro remained opened, charging a mere
twenty-five cents for visitors to tour the gardens
and admire the spectacular view.
At the outbreak of World War II, anti-Japanese
sentiment spread rapidly in Hollywood and
throughout the country. Post Pearl Harbor
paranoia fueled rumors that Yamashiro was a
signal tower for the Japanese. Eventually, vandals
stripped much of the beautiful landscaping and
many of the decorative palace elements. The
distinctive Asian architecture was disguised, the
beautiful carved woods covered with paint, and
the estate became a military school for boys.
Following the war, a builder bought the
property and converted it into fifteen apartment
units. Then in 1948, the estate—unrecognizable
and in disrepair—was purchased by Thomas O.
Glover. He originally intended to tear down the
structure and develop hotel and apartment units
on the property’s seven acres. While preparing to
demolish the structure, Glover discovered the
treasure of ornate woodwork and silk wallpaper
hidden under layers of black paint. Rather than
raze the structure, Glover decided to restore the
property to its original splendor instead.
Glover’s son, Dr. Thomas Y. Glover, continues
the ambitious restoration of Yamashiro’s historic
buildings and grounds. The restaurant now
includes the west-facing Sunset Room, bar
lounge, and Skyview banquet room overlooking
downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly
Hills, and Century City’s distinctive skyline to
the beaches beyond.
The Inner Courtyard, popular for dining,
banquets, and weddings, has been renovated,
and the Japanese gardens and pools have been
returned to their former tranquil beauty.
Recently, a complete management change
instituted renovations inside the building and
an elegant yet contemporary new direction in
service and food, resulting in the creation of the
restaurant’s highly praised CalAsian cuisine,
which includes a full sushi menu.
Yamashiro’s complete dining experience is
unique in Los Angeles, enhanced by the
spectacular view that originally drew the
Bernheimer brothers, and later the Glover family,
to this Hollywood hilltop to build Yamashiro,
Hollywood’s own “Mountain Palace.”
Sharing the Heritage ✦ 55