Yamashita decided to pursue a career as an actress when she watched Ko Shibasaki in the television drama Orange Days when she was in elementary school.
Her acting debut was in the drama Koisuru Nichiyōbi: Dai 3 Series in June.
In November 2008 Yamashita's first leading role in a terrestrial television drama was the Ai no Gekijō 40th anniversary programme Love Letter.
In July 2013, Yamashita played Arisa Morishige in the drama Limit whose character is bullied and runs away in extreme conditions.
Her first regular variety appearances was as an assistant on the television series A-Studio in April 2014.