Next May's draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup will be held at Kyoto State Guest House, World Rugby announced Thursday.
In a statement on World Rugby's website, chairman Bill Beaumont explained the significance of having Kyoto host the draw despite not being a tournament venue.
"The pool draw is an important milestone on the road to Rugby World Cup 2019 as it really drives excitement and momentum both in the host nation and throughout the global rugby family — it is the moment when teams and fans really start to plan for their Rugby World Cup 2019 experience," Beaumont said.
"Kyoto is synonymous with Japanese culture and heritage and the Kyoto State Guest House is therefore a fitting choice for this prestigious and much-anticipated event. ..."
The facility, which opened in 2005, has hosted numerous visiting heads of state, including Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi earlier this month.
"It is the first time that the pool draw has been hosted outside of the U.K. or Ireland," Akira Shimazu, the chief of the 2019 organizing committee, said.
"We are determined to make the most of this opportunity to showcase the very best of Japan to the world, and the best of rugby to Japan. It is very exciting.
"We want to hold a draw that feels Japanese."