Emperor Kanmu chose Kyoto as the capital of Japan in 794. It remained as such until the Shogun resigned under pressure from the regional Lords and the capital was transferred to Tokyo in 1869.
Unlike many other Japanese cities it avoided most of the bombing of World War II and was removed from the potential list of A bomb targets as a result of pressure from the US Secretary of War Henry L Stimson, who had visited on his honeymoon.
“1,000 gates” – there are more – on the back of each gate is the sponsor that has paid for the gate and its subsequent upkeep
Shilli-Fully Travels 