Introducing H.U.B Unzen, a Coworking Space in Japan's Oldest National Park

This article was originally published for our old LaLoka Labs site in May 2022.

Hi, folks!

I was travelling around western Kyushu in May 2022, and when I stayed overnight in Unzen along the way, I spotted a flyer advertising the opening of a coworking space.

We have been working remotely since 2007, so opportunities to deepen team bonds and keep everyone motivated are incredibly valuable. No matter how many online meetings you run, meeting in person, talking face to face, and working on things together is still the fastest and most effective way to build trust.

That is why I am always keeping an eye out for places suitable for team retreats and training camps. Unzen is an attractive hot spring town surrounded by nature, so when I heard there was a coworking space there too, I obviously had to go and see it.

A Coworking Space in Japan's Oldest National Park

The coworking space is called "Coworking Space H.U.B Unzen".

H.U.B Unzen is managed by a couple named Tsujino, as part of an initiative by "RE Shimabara" (a general incorporated association aimed at regional revitalisation). The same organisation also runs Coworking Space H.U.B Shimabara. On this visit, Mrs. Erina Tsujino showed me around.

A Little Different From the Usual Coworking Spaces

This is how the place looks like:

What sets it apart from a typical coworking space is, first of all, the surrounding scenery. To the west lies Oshidori-no-ike, an artificial lake. Then there is the coolness. Unzen has long been famous as a summer retreat, and even in summer the temperature is apparently about 5 degrees lower than elsewhere.

Accommodation Facilities Too

The second floor of the coworking space has accommodation. There are three rooms that can host up to about 10 people at the same time. The first floor has a meeting room that can accommodate around 6 people, and there is also a larger room on the second floor that can serve as a bigger meeting space. Each of the guest rooms is equipped with a shower and toilet, and the larger room at the back also has a bath.

As for meals, there is no kitchen for cooking, so you will need to either buy something or eat out.

Pricing

The usage fees are as follows. The main drop-in plan is 2,000 yen per day, or 500 yen per hour. A monthly corporate membership is 20,000 yen. Available hours are from 10:00 to 19:00 either way.

There is also an accommodation plan, but you will need to confirm the details directly with the person in charge. Depending on the number of people and any optional requirements you might have, they can probably customise things for you.

Conclusion

Being able to stay overnight, in a cool and quiet place, is very appealing.

Most of our previous team retreats have been in urban areas, so getting from the accommodation to the workspace took time. Here, you can start working immediately. Cities overflow with energy and can certainly give your work an impact, but in a nature-rich and quiet place, you might generate completely different ideas.

Then again, whether it suits you depends on your team's working style.

For a team like ours, which does not have much activity and just works quietly (mokumoku style), staying a full week in Unzen might be a bit too long. At most two nights: on day one, finish meetings in the morning, do some kind of outdoor activity in the afternoon; on day two, work quietly, and after work, soak in a hot spring. That would probably be the ideal plan.

Please also follow the Twitter account of Coworking Space H.U.B Unzen.