Mercury Club: A Third Place for Work and Relaxation in Maebashi, Gunma
Mercury Club is a calm coworking space located on the top floor of a hotel in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. It aims to be a "third place" (サードプレイス)—a comfortable space distinct from home (first place) or work/school (second place) where people can spend pleasant time. It attracts a wide range of users, from corporate and individual clients to students and retirees, serving as a hub for diverse activities and generations.
The interior is thoughtfully designed with a large aquarium and office greenery scattered throughout to facilitate a balance of relaxation and concentration. The facility offers various plans to suit different needs: drop-in use is 300 yen per hour (200 yen for students), a 1-day pass is 1200 yen (800 yen for students), along with monthly plans, virtual office services, and meeting rooms. Through collaboration with the hotel, Mercury Club members can also access special "collaboration plans," including discounts at the first-floor restaurant and special hotel accommodation rates. The facility also offers introduction services for large conference/banquet halls and for corporate/private office rooms.
Equipment/Facilities: Individual: A space for working quietly and individually. Communication: A space where you can work while conversing and interacting. Private Room Corporate: Private rooms for corporate contracts. Private Room Individual: Private rooms for individual contracts. Meeting: Rental meeting rooms. Additional amenities include a drink service, projector rental, semi-private seats, and free parking. Convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk, and restaurant and accommodation facilities are available within the building.
The area around Maebashi offers a blend of urban convenience and natural escape. An interesting fact is that Gunma Prefecture is known as the "Tone River's source prefecture," with the mighty Tone River, Japan's second-longest river system, originating in the mountains near Minakami. The closest major landmark is the iconic Akagi Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine situated on the slopes of Mount Akagi, a dormant volcano and one of Gunma's famous Jomo Sanzan (Three Mountains of Gunma), offering beautiful hiking and scenic views throughout the year.
