Culinary Chef Jobs in Japan

Japan is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and the chefs there are deeply respected as they contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the country. Culinary chefs in Japan are responsible for much more than just preparing meals. They are expected to understand the cultural significance of their dishes, source the freshest local ingredients, and maintain a high standard of presentation and hygiene. Key responsibilities often include :

• Menu planning based on seasonal ingredients.
• Preparing traditional Japanese as well as international dishes.
• Managing kitchen staff and overseeing the training of junior chefs.
• Ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met.
• Experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques.
• Managing inventory and kitchen budgets.

Companies Hiring Culinary Chefs

Acrotable Corporation – Tokyo Chiyoda-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.
• Part-time availability.

Apply Here : XPat Career

Uno Port Land Corporation – Okayama Tamano-shi

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.
• Full-time, mid-career level position.

Apply Here : Career

Kakiyasu Honten Co., Ltd. – Osaka Joto-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N5.
• Part-time availability.

Apply Here : Career

Bake Cruise_RITUEL Toranomon – Tokyo Minato-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese and English language proficiency.
• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.
• Part-time availability.

Apply Here : Career

Saint Staff Co., Ltd. Tokyo Branch – Tokyo Koto-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N1.
• Dispatching job related to “chef”.

Apply Here : Careers

Nippon Seinenkan Hotel Restaurant ‘EAST WIND GAIEN’ – Tokyo Shinjuku-ku

Requirements:

• English and Japanese language proficiency.
• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.
• Contract employee position.

Apply Here : Careers

Aslaport Corporation – Tokyo Itabashi-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N2.
• Part-time job related to “chef”.

Apply Here : Career

Emblem Hotel Co., Ltd. – Kanagawa Hakonemachi

Requirements:

• English and Japanese language proficiency.
• Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N3.
• Full-time employee (mid-career) position.

Apply Here : Career

FLS Corporation – Tokyo Sumida-ku

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency.
• Part-time availability.

Apply Here : Career

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Luxury hotel experience preferred.
• Culinary school background.
• International cuisine knowledge.

Apply Here : Career

Hilton Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Professional kitchen experience.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Flexibility in shifts.

Apply Here : Career

Hyatt Regency Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Culinary degree or related hotel experience.
• Good communication skills.
• Creative approach to food.

Apply Here : Careers

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a high-end restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques.
• Fluent in English, Japanese is a plus.

Apply Here : Career

Conrad Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Experience in fine dining.
• Strong leadership skills in the kitchen.
• Innovative menu planning.

Apply Here : Career

Shangri-La Tokyo – Tokyo

Requirements:

• Proven track record in a similar position.
• Excellent culinary and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations.

Apply Here : Career

Job Portals

Portal Name	Specialty	Language Support
WeXpats Jobs	General, For foreigners in Japan	Multiple Languages
Daijob.com	Multilingual and Bilingual Jobs	English, Japanese
Chefs Wonderland	Culinary Jobs	English
Gaijinpot	General, For foreigners in Japan	English
Jobs in Japan	Food and Beverage Industry	English

Salary of Culinary Chef

Position	Location	Type	Japanese Proficiency	Salary Range
Part-time Chef	Tokyo Chiyoda-ku	Part-time	N3	1,150 JPY/hour ~
Full-time Chef	Okayama Tamano-shi	Full-time (Mid-career)	N3	230,000 – 250,000 JPY/month
Part-time Chef	Osaka Joto-ku	Part-time	N5	1,200 JPY/hour ~
Part-time Chef	Tokyo Minato-ku	Part-time	N3, English	1,450 – 1,620 JPY/hour
Dispatching Chef	Tokyo Koto-ku	Dispatch	N1	1,500 – 1,700 JPY/hour
Contract Chef	Tokyo Shinjuku-ku	Contract	N3, English	222,000 JPY/month ~
Part-time Chef	Tokyo Itabashi-ku	Part-time	N2	1,200 JPY/hour ~
Full-time Chef	Kanagawa Hakonemachi	Full-time (Mid-career)	N3, English	259,000 JPY/month

Culinary Chef Jobs in Japan – FAQs

Do I need to know Japanese to work as a chef in Japan?

Yes, many restaurants in Japan require at least conversational Japanese, with a proficiency level of N4 in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test often considered a minimum. However, in tourist areas or international restaurants, the requirement may be more relaxed, and knowledge of English can be beneficial​.

What are the typical salary ranges for culinary chefs in Japan?

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Part-time chef jobs can offer hourly wages ranging from 1,150 to 1,700 JPY, while full-time positions might offer monthly salaries from approximately 230,000 to 259,000 JPY​.

Can foreign chefs find work in Japan?

Yes, foreign chefs, especially those with expertise in cuisines like Italian, French, Thai, Chinese, and Indian, can find opportunities in Japan. High-end restaurants often hire foreign chefs with significant experience, even if they don’t speak Japanese​.

How can I find chef jobs in Japan?

You can search for jobs by using keywords related to the culinary field on job listing websites, checking out job ads in culinary magazines or websites, registering with recruitment agencies, or by attending job fairs. For those not fluent in Japanese, searching in the foreign community in Japan or using English language job websites can be helpful​.

What types of visas are required for chefs working in Japan?

The type of visa required depends on the nature of the work and the duration of stay. For full-time positions, a working visa is typically necessary. For shorter stints or apprenticeships, other types of visas such as cultural activities visas or working holiday visas (for eligible countries) might be applicable. It’s important to check the latest visa requirements and procedures with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country​.