The title of the work refers to the recording of an improvisation by pianist Keith Jarrett that took place in Kyoto on November 5th, 1976. Acknowledging the influence of this recording, the composer writes:

"This improvisation of Jarrett's is, more than anything, the piece that woke the composer in me, and set me on this journey of creating my own music for others"

Kyoto is dedicated to the Ju Percussion Group on its 25th anniversary.