Meet the Chef
Meet the Master Artisans at Azekura
Meet the visionary chefs at Azekura, crafting seasonal sushi masterpieces that position us among the best places to eat in Nara. With unwavering precision and passion for pristine ingredients, they balance Nara's timeless heritage with innovative artistry—turning every piece into a fleeting ode to nature's rhythms. Their expertise is why we're considered one of the top places to eat in Nara.
Head Chef Yamashita Shuichi
Chef Yamashita Shuichi was appointed Head Chef of Azekura at JW Marriott Hotel Nara in October 2024. His cooking philosophy centers on seasonality, creating dishes that reflect the time of year while complementing important moments for guests. He began his culinary career at Koshien Miyako Hotel in 1996 before developing his skills across several hotels and at the long-established Japanese restaurant Tankuma Kitamise Osaka.
Teppanyaki Chef Yamamoto Tsunenori
Chef Yamamoto Tsunenori was appointed Head Teppanyaki Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Nara in January 2025. He focuses on bringing out the natural character of each ingredient while placing strong importance on hospitality and guest experience.
His approach plays an important role for diners exploring places to eat in Nara who value live cooking and precision technique.
Sushi Chef Tsujimoto Eiji
From May 2025, Chef Tsujimoto Eiji has served as Head Sushi Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Nara. He places particular emphasis on balance — between ingredients, rice, and technique — which guides his approach to sushi preparation.