Cafe Ausgang

‘Cafe Ausgang’ (instagram.com/ausgang.cafe) opened in November 2024 on the first floor of the historic Kinse Ryokan, a building with over 200 years of history in Kyoto’s former Shimabara geisha district. Located just a five-minute walk from JR Tambaguchi Station and about eight minutes from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station as well as 10 minutes from busstop Shimabara-guchi (6, 71, 206), it offers both convenient access and a peaceful retreat surrounded by Kyoto’s historical architecture. The name Ausgang, German for “exit”, was inspired by the owner’s experiences in Germany and is also shared with a nearby photo studio operated by the same team.

The building’s exterior preserves the nostalgic presence of the ryokan, with traditional wooden façades and a retro-style entrance that sets the mood from the outset. Step inside, and the café reveals a fusion of classical Japanese aesthetics and early modern Western design: stained-glass windows, parquet floors, and coffered ceilings darkened to a warm amber with age, paired with vintage chairs and wooden tables. Decorative tiles and antique furnishings further enrich the interior, creating an atmosphere that recalls the Taisho and Showa eras. Much of the café’s charm lies in this space itself, immersive, atmospheric, and undeniably photogenic.

The menu focuses on homemade bagels, baked fresh each morning by the owner with a blend of Japanese and rye wheat that achieves a crisp yet chewy texture. Savory sandwiches include thick-cut bacon with melted cheese and honey, or Kyoto green onion with cream cheese, while sweeter options feature red bean paste with butter or peanut butter with jam. Vegan diners are also well accommodated with plant-based bagels, fresh salads, and soy milk for coffee drinks. Coffee is supplied by Iwashi Coffee, a Kyoto-based roaster, and simple side dishes such as carrot salad complement the offerings.

Cafe Ausgang combines Kyoto’s history with a menu that balances tradition and modern tastes, making it a destination for those drawn to architecture and thoughtful food. With a friendly, English-speaking owner, an accessible location, vegan-friendly choices, and a rare harmony of Japanese and European nostalgia, it offers an evocative setting for anyone seeking a slow and memorable start to the day.