Common Traits of Places Where People Gather, as Observed at the “SHIGA CONNECT” Coworking Space in Kusatsu

Hello. This is Lake and Moon Design.

We usually work at our office, staring at computer screens to build websites, but we thought we’d get some fresh air for a change, so we paid a visit to “SHIGA CONNECT,” a coworking space near Kusatsu Station.

First, let’s talk about how easy it is to use.

Its excellent access from Kusatsu Station is definitely its biggest strength. Not having to lug around a heavy laptop is a real blessing for users.

And above all, the moment you walk in, there’s an atmosphere that makes you think, “Ah, this place feels right”—it’s easy to slip right in, even if it’s your first time.

This time, I’d like to talk a little not just about it as a place to work, but also about the “comfort” I felt while spending time there.

My Real Impressions While Working There

When you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the stylish, sophisticated space. It’s not just visually appealing—the desk layout and lighting somehow help boost your concentration.

One small detail that made me happy was the free drinks. I’d casually get up during a break to brew some coffee. That little bit of downtime might be the secret to not feeling stressed, even when working for long hours. I felt like these thoughtful touches effectively helped users shake off their fatigue.

There’s a comfortable distance that makes it easy to approach the staff

What particularly stood out to me during my time there was the sense of distance with the staff. You’re neither left to fend for yourself nor overly bothered. You can rely on them immediately when needed, but when you want to immerse yourself in your work alone, they maintain just the right amount of distance.

This “appropriate distance” gives even first-time visitors like me a sense of security—the feeling that I’m not isolated. I think it’s the accumulation of these small reassurances—knowing that “it’ll be okay if anything happens”—that makes people feel at home in this space.

A friendly atmosphere with a pleasant “balance”

After spending a whole day working here, I was struck by the unique “contrast” in the atmosphere of this place.

While some people are wearing headphones, completely immersed in their screens and working with intense focus, at a seat a little further away, others are laughing and chatting amicably as they discuss work. Come lunchtime, I also saw groups of people heading out together, saying, “We’re all going out for lunch!”

It’s not just a “quiet workplace”; rather, personal time and time spent connecting with others coexist in a very pleasant balance. Even though it’s a workplace, there’s a genuine “sense of community” where human connections naturally flourish.

Summary | Space Design Brings People Together

While spending time at SHIGA CONNECT, I found myself wondering, “Why does this place feel so comfortable?” I believe the answer boils down to three points: “openness,” “a stress-free environment,” and “space for people to interact naturally.”

That made me think of my main line of work: website development. Websites are actually exactly the same.

When a user visits a site, will they get lost? Can even first-time visitors feel at ease as they read through the information? And will visitors feel, “This company seems like a good fit,” leading naturally to “interaction” in the form of job applications or inquiries?

Experiencing a comfortable space like SHIGA CONNECT makes me realize once again that a website isn’t just a “collection of information,” but rather “a space designed for people to engage with confidence.” I believe that’s exactly the kind of space we at “Lake and Moon Design” want to create.

Bonus | It’s fascinating that a place like this exists in Shiga

I find it incredibly fascinating that this new form of community is emerging in Kusatsu—a place in Shiga with a particularly high volume of foot traffic.

Just because it’s a rural area doesn’t mean we have to give up. We’re taking the idea of “I wish a place like this existed” and turning it into reality by building the systems to support it. I’m proud that a place with such passion exists in Shiga.

Being immersed in the atmosphere of a place like this makes me realize there’s still so much more we can do in the “website design” work we tackle every day. I believe that as more places like this emerge, the very potential of rural areas will continue to expand.

Facility Information | SHIGA CONNECT

A coworking space located near Kusatsu Station. It accommodates both drop-in users and monthly members, and features meeting rooms and remote work rooms. For monthly members, certain facilities are available at no additional charge, making it particularly convenient for those who plan to use the space for extended periods.

▶︎Click here for the official SHIGA CONNECT website