【Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto】New Executive Chef Koichi Nakakita Appointed

Since its opening, we have inherited the tradition of "Royal Cuisine" and offered exquisite dishes. Executive Chef Nakakita will oversee all dishes served at the hotel, from banquets and weddings for 1,000 guests to each restaurant, aiming for further quality improvement and the creation of memorable and appealing dining experiences. Nakakita joined Royal Hotel Co., Ltd. in 1990. He has honed his skills under successive executive chefs and chefs, including at "Restaurant Chambord," the Rihga Royal Hotels' top French restaurant. In 2005, he trained at "Château Les Crayères," then a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Champagne region of France, where he was deeply impressed by the passion of producers selling ingredients directly to chefs and the cooking methods that bring out the best in the ingredients themselves. Upon his appointment, Nakakita expressed his aspirations as follows: "While inheriting traditional techniques, I will sincerely face various ingredients, including those from Kyoto and Kansai, and maximize the inherent flavors and appeal of ingredients based on traditional cuisine. Amidst the evolving cuisine with the times, I will strive to deliver 'blissful dishes.'" ■ Profile Name: Koichi Nakakita Date of Birth: June 22, 1970 Place of Birth: Fukui Prefecture Career History: April 1990 Joined Royal Hotel Co., Ltd. Assigned to Cooking Section 1, Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka) March 2005 Trained at "Château Les Crayères," a two-Michelin-starred restaurant (at the time) in France April 2008 Head Chef, Kuroyon Royal Hotel March 2015 Chef in charge, Handai Restaurant March 2017 Sous Chef, "Restaurant Chambord," Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka) April 2020 Chef, Supply Hot, Culinary Department April 2022 Banquet Chef, Culinary Department April 2024 Deputy Manager, Culinary Department April 2026 Appointed Executive Chef, Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto ■ Customer Inquiries Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto General Manager's Office, Sales Promotion 1 Matsumae-cho, Shio-koji Sagaru, Higashi Horikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8237 075-361-9149 (Direct Line) (Reception hours: Weekdays 10:00-17:00)