Director of Residences

Job Description

The Director of Residences leads the daily operations and overall resident experience for Four Seasons Private Residences in Kyoto. The role typically requires strong luxury hospitality or residential management experience, proven leadership skills, and excellent financial, operational, and communication abilities. Fluency in English is expected, while Japanese language skills and knowledge of the local market are highly advantageous. The successful candidate will recruit and coach teams, oversee service standards, manage budgets and owner relationships, coordinate with hotel departments, and ensure compliance with safety and company policies. Four Seasons will expect a polished, discreet, commercially minded leader who can anticipate resident needs and consistently deliver highly personalized service.

Company Info

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a globally respected luxury hospitality company operating hotels, resorts, private residences, and vacation ownership properties worldwide. Founded in 1961, the company is known for highly personalized service, elegant properties, and a strong focus on employee development and guest satisfaction. Four Seasons Kyoto combines traditional Japanese design and culture with the brand’s international service standards, offering accommodation, dining, wellness facilities, and private residences in a historic and highly desirable setting. Employees generally work in a service-led environment where discretion, attention to detail, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity are essential. The company supports career opportunities across hotel operations, residences, food and beverage, wellness, finance, and leadership, with many roles offering international exposure and professional training.

Destination Guide

Japan offers opportunities in luxury hotels, tourism, restaurants, technology, education, finance, and international business. Kyoto is especially attractive for hospitality professionals because of its temples, arts, cuisine, and year-round cultural tourism. Daily life is safe, clean, efficient, and convenient, although housing and transport in major cities can be expensive. Japanese workplace culture values punctuality, respect, teamwork, hierarchy, and careful attention to detail. English is useful in international hotels, but Japanese significantly improves career prospects and everyday integration. Foreign employees normally need an employer-sponsored work visa, with the appropriate status depending on the position and qualifications. Employers may assist with sponsorship, documentation, relocation, accommodation, and arrival support, but applicants should confirm these details before accepting an offer. Kyoto has excellent rail connections, while Tokyo, Osaka, and regional destinations are easily accessible. New arrivals should budget for deposits, furnishings, healthcare enrollment, and municipal registration.