Before walking upstairs for your warm cup of coffee, you’ll be greeted by the local deer who come to say ‘hello’! Wildlife and temples surround this above-ground café. Located in the center of Nara Park, Cafe CONCE (カフェコンセ) opens every day, except Tuesdays, where the deer wait for the crowds. This café has one of the most incredible locations to be set up at. Over a thousand of Nara’s famous bowing deer patiently wait to be fed– but be cautious! Once they see stacks of cookies in your hand, you won’t be able to escape them!
カフェコンセ has a wide selection to choose from on their menu. They offer Espresso, Black Tea, Herbal Tea, Green Tea, Tea Latte, Alcohol, Extra, One Plate Lunch, Sandwich, Dessert, and Others. This is the first café I’ve visited where alcohol is served! They sell beer and wine. Like many places, カフェコンセ has one seasonal drink, which was all sold out the day I visited (and I’m sure the drink was more than tasty!). So, remember that cold brew is only available during the summer.
They have mugs available, but you’ll have to be sure to ask for one. But if you’re in a rush to hang out with the deer, you can take a to-go cup (like I have in the photo!) and always return for seconds. There are a few booths around Nara Park where you can buy a stack of cookies to feed the deer for 200 yen.
Seeing and feeding the deer in Nara, Japan is a beautiful and wondrous experience! But don’t let that cuteness bring your guard down! They can become aggressive and persistent. So, always feed them as soon as they notice the cookies in the palm of your hand, and then raise those hands once you’re done to show them that there’s no more. Then, head back to カフェコンセ for thirds while you watch the deer from the second-story floor of the cozy café!