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.