The Shinmonzen Kyoto Welcomes Oscar Engman as New Executive Chef, Marking a New Chapter for Culinary Excellence

The Shinmonzen is pleased to announce the appointment of Oscar Engman as its new Executive Chef. Concurrently, Rinena Harada, who has been with the hotel since its inception, has been promoted to Chef de Cuisine (Head Chef) of Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen.

Oscar Engman brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and fine dining, having built an international career across Brazil, the UK, and the Middle East. After serving as Chef de Cuisine at JW Marriott Doha, he became Brand Executive Chef at Doha’s Aura Hospitality Group, where he led the development and operations of multiple award-winning dining concepts.

At The Shinmonzen, Engman will oversee all culinary operations across the hotel, leading the management of food and beverage outlets including Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, and driving the development of future gastronomy projects.

Rinena Harada, newly appointed Chef de Cuisine, joined The Shinmonzen in 2022 as Chef de Partie (station chef) and was a key member of the pre-opening team for Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, which opened in March 2023. She was later promoted to Sous Chef, playing a central role in restaurant operations and quality control. Prior to joining, she gained five years of experience at IHG Japan Osaka and graduated from Hiroshima Suishin Culinary & Pastry School. Since the restaurant’s opening, Harada has trained under Executive Chef Hana Yun, deeply understanding the culinary philosophy and quality standards of Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, and has been instrumental in maintaining consistency and excellence. Building on her extensive experience and knowledge, she will now lead daily operations as Chef de Cuisine, driving the restaurant’s continued growth.

The restaurant’s leadership team will continue to be supported by Victor Tzachev, Food & Beverage Manager, and Takeo Arimasa, Assistant Restaurant Manager & Sommelier.

As a team combining culinary innovation, operational excellence, and refined service, Oscar Engman, Rinena Harada, Victor Tzachev, and Takeo Arimasa will work closely to elevate Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen to new heights.

The Shinmonzen was awarded '2 Michelin Keys' in the inaugural Michelin Key Hotel Selection for Japan in 2024 and has maintained this distinction in 2025. Additionally, the restaurant Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen has received one Michelin star for two consecutive years in the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka. This new leadership structure marks a significant milestone for both the hotel and the restaurant, representing a crucial step toward further advancement.

By merging the global insights of an internationally renowned chef with the talent of a next-generation leader who has grown with the restaurant since its opening, The Shinmonzen will continue to innovate and enhance its appeal as a leading gastronomic destination in Kyoto.

Furthermore, The Shinmonzen is advancing plans for new facility development and enhanced experiential offerings as part of its long-term growth strategy. Rooted in the unique cultural landscape of Kyoto, the hotel remains committed to exploring new possibilities in luxury hospitality.

The Shinmonzen

Opened in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, The Shinmonzen is a small luxury hotel featuring contemporary Japanese design by Tadao Ando, cosmopolitan interiors, and a world-class collection of contemporary art. Inspired by traditional Japanese inns, the hotel’s nine suite rooms with balconies overlook the Shirakawa Canal, offering guests a secluded retreat and personalized service. In 2024, The Shinmonzen was selected as one of 17 '2 Michelin Key' hotels in Japan’s first Michelin Key Hotel Selection and has retained this recognition in 2025, earning the distinction for two consecutive years. The restaurant Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen has also received one Michelin star in both the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka, with its exceptional quality consistently receiving high acclaim. For more information, please visit https://theshinmonzen.com/jp/.

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Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen

Address: 235 Nishinotoin-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0088

TEL: 075 600 2055 Email: jg@theshinmonzen.com