Source: Sekisui House Ltd.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed The Ritz-Carlton,Kyoto will officially open its doors onFebruary 7, 2014, and unveiled the first images of the luxury urban resort that pays homage to the region's cultural heritage. It also officially announced the appointment of MrYuji Tanaka as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton,Kyoto.

The Ritz-Carlton,Kyotoenjoys an excellent strategic location as an urban resort on the Kamogawa River, Nijho Ohashi, close toKyoto's popular downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city's retail and entertainment district. The hotel's guestrooms will offer views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.

While in keeping with the traditions and cultural sensitivity ofKyoto, The Ritz-Carlton will be a subtle and inspired juxtaposition of modernity and respect for Japanese tradition, incorporating the work of internationally famous Japanese design houses such as Spin Studio. The architects and designers have gone to great lengths to preserve the traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural structure of the building.

Featuring 136 guest rooms with an average size of 50 square meters for standard rooms, The Ritz-Carlton,Kyotowill have some of the largest in the city. It will also feature four dining options, banquet and meeting rooms, as well as a spa and other recreational facilities.

Victor Clavell, Vice President –Asia Pacificfor The Ritz-Carlton said: "Kyotois one ofJapan's cultural windows to the world and we are proud to unveil a property that is sensitive to the 1,000 years of history and make a contribution to the rejuvenation and growth of the tourism business inJapan."

Exceptionally rich in beauty, history, spirituality and culture,Kyotodraws 50 million visitors annually to experience the city and its 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While many of these visitors are Japanese, there is real growth in the numbers of international visitors coming to the city, andKyotois now very much must-see destination for sophisticated global travelers who are attracted to the city for its quintessential Japanese experience.

Newly-appointed General Manager,Yuji Tanakais a seasoned international hotelier with over 25 years of luxury hotel experience across the globe who will lead an experienced team of ladies and gentlemen to further strengthen The Ritz-Carlton position as a luxury leader inJapan. Prior to his current position, Tanaka was Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton,Tokyoand Interim General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka. He has enjoyed over 15 years of leadership experience with luxury hotel groups inthe United StatesandJapan.

"I am privileged to be entrusted with the leadership of this incredibly high-profile opening for The Ritz-Carlton which will complement the exceptional architecture and heritage ofKyoto. Our entry to the market will help to draw sophisticated global travelers who are attracted the city for a quintessentially Japanese experience."

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Bethesda, MD, part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 100 hotels in 32 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.