Yamashiro was built in 1914 by the Bernheimer brothers to house their collection of priceless Asian antiques. It’s the exact replica of a palace in the Yamashiro Mountains in Japan. It was a private estate in the early years, but when one of the brothers died in 1922, all the antiques and rare jade were auctioned off. In the late 1920s, it became the headquarters for the exclusive "400 Club" which was created for the film industry’s top executives and movie stars. It’s the first official celebrity hotspot. At that time, you could pay 25cents to walk the lavish gardens and see all of LA, all the way to the ocean. During World War II, there were rumors it was a Japanese signal tower. It was eventually vandalized and repainted and became a boy’s military school. At the end of the war, the property was purchased by a builder and turned into apartments. In 1948, Thomas O Glover purchased the place with intentions to tear it down and rebuild, but he came across fine silk wallpaper covered by black paint and decided it was too beautiful to tear down. The property is now a staple in the Hollywood repertoire. The original 600 year old pagoda that used to sit beside a pond were rare, black swans swam, is still there but it now sits next to a swimming pool. The interior is classic Japanese, with a courtyard to enjoy dinner or cocktails. Reserve a window table and enjoy the drinks and atmosphere. We didn't eat, but I did have a chocolate hazelnut martini that was simply wonderful. My husband had a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. YUM! There’s only valet parking and it’s expensive. You can drive up during the day, to get some great pics of the city. The restaurant is only open for dinner.