Explore the Magic of HiNA’s Art at UNWIND GALLERY – Free Admission!
UNWIND GALLERY – A Dreamlike Fusion of Historic Architecture and Contemporary Art
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU welcomes guests from Japan and abroad, positioning itself as a cultural and informational hub that showcases the charm of Hokkaido from a unique perspective. As part of this mission, UNWIND GALLERY was established in November 2022 to exhibit works by artists connected to Hokkaido.
Set within a beautifully renovated historic building, this gallery offers a one-of-a-kind art experience where Art Deco architectural beauty blends seamlessly with contemporary art. This fusion has received high acclaim, drawing attention from local media and fashion magazines alike.
Beyond simply displaying artwork, the gallery also hosts unique events such as “Art Pairing Cocktails”—allowing visitors to engage their senses in new ways—as well as artist meet-and-greet opportunities. The gallery is open to both locals and travelers free of charge, providing an accessible and immersive art experience for all.
Whether you are a hotel guest enjoying art throughout your stay or a visitor seeking a unique cultural experience, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU invites you to step into an enchanting world where art and space intertwine.
Oil Painter HiNA Solo Exhibition
For its 11th exhibition, UNWIND GALLERY presents a solo exhibition by Otaru-born oil painter HiNA. This showcase features a total of 13 works, including 8 new pieces and 5 past creations, expressing the emotions and colors of the moments she has encountered in life.
HiNA likens the accumulation of memories and emotions within herself to a “cloud”—a digital space storing data. This exhibition explores the theme of “circulation,” where moments and living beings she encounters are recorded within her cloud, represented through vivid colors and bold brushstrokes. HiNA sees the act of passing on her works to others as part of this cycle, merging with the viewer’s own “cloud” and giving birth to new connections. Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to experience the infinite chain of creation and imagination.
All exhibited works are available for purchase. If you find a piece that resonates with you, it can become a part of your own “cloud,” ready to be cherished beyond the exhibition period.
A New Art Experience Engaging All Five Senses
One of the highlights of UNWIND GALLERY is its integration with Bar Ignis Otaru, the in-house bar. To further immerse visitors in the exhibition’s theme, the gallery is offering a special art-inspired cocktail during the display period, inspired by HiNA’s piece “Ruinous,” exhibited at Bar Ignis Otaru.
This limited-time Art Pairing Cocktail features a refreshing lychee base, enhanced with hints of sansho pepper and herbs, creating a crisp, Chartreuse-based drink. With shimmering pearl liqueur that dances in the glass, it evokes the movement of light on the water’s surface and the depths of the sea. Experience the essence of HiNA’s artwork while savoring a cocktail that engages your senses in an entirely new way.
Engage in Art Through Dialogue – Special Artist Meet & Greet
To deepen the connection between art and its audience, we are offering a special opportunity to meet the artist. Discover the stories behind HiNA’s works and gain insight into her artistic vision through personal interaction.
Meet the Artist:
March 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
- 🕚 Session 1: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- 🕗 Session 2: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Additional dates will be announced on the hotel’s official Instagram.
Exhibition Details
- Venue: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, 1st Floor, UNWIND GALLERY
- Exhibition Period: March 1, 2025 – May 30, 2025
- Admission: Free (open to all visitors, including local residents and travelers)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
Artist Profile – HiNA
HiNA is an oil painter based in her hometown of Otaru, Hokkaido. She is actively involved in various artistic projects in the city, including participating in events themed around history and art, as well as creating large-scale wall murals.
Inspired by weathered walls, ocean breezes, and the subtle decay of the cityscape, HiNA’s work reflects remnants of memory and the rhythms of nature. She believes that art fosters an exchange of imagination, creating a continuous cycle of thought and creativity.
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally built in 1931 as Ecchūya Hotel, the first hotel in Hokkaido catering to international guests, this historic building has witnessed significant events. It served as an officers’ club during wartime, was later requisitioned by the U.S. military, and is now designated as an Otaru City Historical Landmark and part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Modern Industrial Heritage Sites.
Following years of closure, the building was reborn as a boutique hotel, preserving its historical charm while incorporating bold, modern renovations. UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is committed to fostering organic exchanges between travelers and the local community, offering a distinctive blend of classic elegance and contemporary creativity.
Hotel Information
- Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
- Access: Approximately 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via JR Hakodate Line, followed by a 10-minute walk to the hotel