Assistant Restaurant Manager - Japanese Sushi Restaurant

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Assistant Restaurant Manager supports the daily operation of Four Seasons Kyoto’s Japanese sushi restaurant, helping deliver refined service, maintain quality standards, and achieve guest satisfaction. Requirements typically include relevant experience in luxury hospitality or fine dining, strong knowledge of restaurant service, confident leadership, and excellent communication skills. Experience with Japanese cuisine or sushi service is highly valuable. The successful candidate is expected to supervise and coach colleagues, coordinate reservations and seating, handle guest requests professionally, support stock and cost control, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation. Flexibility for shifts, weekends, and holidays is essential. Japanese and English communication skills are advantageous, while a polished, service-focused manner and attention to detail are expected.

About the employer

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a global luxury hospitality company operating hotels, resorts, and private residences in major destinations worldwide. The company is known for highly personalized service, elegant properties, and a strong emphasis on employee development and guest care. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto combines contemporary luxury with the city’s traditional architecture, gardens, cuisine, and cultural heritage. Its restaurants are designed to provide high-quality dining experiences supported by attentive, professional service. Four Seasons promotes a people-first culture, encouraging employees to work collaboratively, anticipate guest needs, and build long-term careers in hospitality. Benefits and employment conditions vary by location, but may include staff meals, training, service incentives, accommodation assistance, health coverage, and opportunities for internal or international transfers.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in hospitality, restaurants, tourism, technology, education, manufacturing, and healthcare. Kyoto is especially attractive for luxury hotels, cultural tourism, and high-end dining, although living costs and competition can be significant. Japanese culture values punctuality, respect, teamwork, cleanliness, and careful attention to detail. Daily life is convenient, with excellent public transport, safe neighborhoods, seasonal food, and a rich mix of traditional and modern experiences. Foreign workers generally need an employer-sponsored work visa, with the appropriate status depending on the role and qualifications. Applicants should confirm sponsorship, contract terms, housing, taxes, insurance, and working hours before relocating. Learning practical Japanese greatly improves everyday life and career prospects. Kyoto has good rail connections to Osaka and Tokyo, but apartments may require deposits, key money, and a guarantor. Budgeting for initial relocation costs is important.