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Sous Chef

Japan Four Seasons Kyoto Approximately ¥4,500,000–¥6,500,000 per year, depending on experience and benefits*
Job Description

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in supervising kitchen operations, maintaining food quality, coordinating preparation and service, and leading culinary colleagues. Requirements generally include professional culinary training, several years of experience in a hotel, luxury restaurant, or comparable kitchen, strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and the ability to manage busy service periods. Experience with Japanese cuisine or luxury hospitality is advantageous. Candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership, organization, creativity, cost awareness, and consistent attention to detail. They should communicate effectively, coach team members, follow Four Seasons standards, and remain calm and hands-on in a demanding, multicultural environment.

Company Info

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a globally recognized luxury hospitality company operating hotels, resorts, and private residences in major destinations worldwide. Founded in 1961, the company is known for highly personalized service, refined facilities, and strong attention to guest and employee experience. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto combines contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics and is located near important cultural landmarks, temples, and gardens. Its culinary operations typically include multiple restaurants, bars, banqueting, and in-room dining, creating opportunities for chefs to work with international guests and high service standards. The company emphasizes professional development, teamwork, respect, and delivering memorable experiences through both service and cuisine.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities for hospitality professionals, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and major resort destinations. Culinary roles are available in luxury hotels, restaurants, resorts, and seasonal properties. Japanese culture values punctuality, cleanliness, respect, teamwork, and careful attention to detail. Kyoto provides a quieter, historic lifestyle, excellent public transport, rich food culture, and a relatively high cost of living. Foreign employees normally need an appropriate work visa, sponsored by the employer, before starting employment; requirements vary by nationality and role. Applicants should prepare qualifications, employment records, passport documents, and sometimes translated certificates. Learning basic Japanese is highly useful for daily life and kitchen communication, although international hotels often use English. Relocation planning should include housing, registration, health insurance, taxes, and transportation.