Taste Autumn in Hokkaido: Craft Gin & Pairing Event at Bar Ignis Otaru
Located in Otaru, Hokkaido, boutique hotel UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU positions itself as a cultural and informational hub, sharing the unique charms of Hokkaido from an original perspective. As part of this initiative, the hotel’s lobby bar, Bar Ignis Otaru, will host a craft gin event titled “Northern Autumnal Equinox – Bar Ignis Otaru –” during Silver Week from September 19 (Sat) to September 23 (Wed), 2026. Open to both staying guests and day visitors, the fair offers a special opportunity to savor Hokkaido’s fleeting autumn within the atmospheric setting of UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU.
Shining a spotlight on gin—a spirit that has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially among younger generations—the event features four distinct cocktails meticulously crafted by our bartenders, along with three pairing dishes. All drinks highlight the unique craft gins from Benizakura Distillery, Hokkaido’s first dedicated craft gin distillery.
On the first day of the event (September 19), a master distiller from Benizakura Distillery will visit the hotel to share behind-the-scenes stories of gin making and the fascinating world of Hokkaido botanicals. Guests will also have the chance to touch and smell the native Hokkaido herbs used as key flavor components in the craft gins, deepening their appreciation for the craft.
Whether rounding out a day of sightseeing in Otaru or winding down your evening, gather with family, friends, or someone special to welcome the arrival of Hokkaido’s autumn at our hotel bar.
Event Overview
- Dates: Saturday, September 19 – Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Hours: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (L.O. 23:00)
- Location: Bar Ignis Otaru (1F, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU)
- Access: Open to non-staying guests | No dress code | No reservations required
Bar Ignis Otaru: A Welcoming Lobby Bar for Everyone
Bar Ignis Otaru is an open, doorless lobby bar located on the same floor as the hotel front desk and restaurant. Thanks to this welcoming layout, it receives high praise from first-time bar-goers and younger guests who feel comfortable dropping in casually. Both staying guests and day visitors can enjoy a special moment in a stylish, extraordinary atmosphere.
Additionally, the bar doubles as the venue for “UNWIND GALLERY,” which showcases artwork by artists connected to Hokkaido, offering a relaxing space to unwind while admiring contemporary art. [Press Release]
Our bar menu features an extensive selection of drinks, including various gins, wines, and whiskies. For non-drinkers, we offer artisanal mocktails as well as Hokkaido’s iconic late-night parfaits (“Shime Parfait”)—the perfect sweet ending to your day.
You can chat with our bartenders and watch them craft drinks at the counter seats, defined by iconic back-shelf illumination, or relax with companions in cozy sofa seating that accommodates up to four guests. Experience a tailored, unforgettable bar stay at Bar Ignis Otaru that fits your mood and occasion.
【Gin Fair Limited Edition】Autumn Cocktails
We have prepared four cocktails using craft gin from Benizakura Distillery, which incorporates a rich array of Hokkaido botanicals. While many people associate gin cocktails with a simple gin and tonic, our bartenders at Bar Ignis Otaru have crafted colorful, easy-drinking creations reminiscent of autumn foliage. From drinks that evoke Hokkaido’s crisp autumn air to those highlighting regional botanical notes and even one reflecting the fleeting summer, savor the transition from late summer to early autumn through these unique beverages.
Pricing：
・Gin Fair Limited Cocktails: 1,500 Yen each (tax included)
・Pairing Set (1 Limited Cocktail + 1 Limited Food Item): 2,000 Yen (tax included)
Aromatic Gin Buck (9148 #3891 BENIZAKURA)
A cocktail made with “#3891 BENIZAKURA,” an autumn-exclusive craft gin crafted with autumn leaves and plants from Benizakura Park, where the distillery is located. Featuring autumn maple leaves as its main theme alongside 10 seasonal botanicals capturing Sapporo’s autumn and the savory umami of Hidaka kelp, this cocktail blends gentle tartness from rhubarb and plum with ginger beer spice.
Herbal Gin Tonic (9148 #0101 STANDARD)
A drink created with Benizakura Distillery’s signature gin, “#0101 STANDARD.” Built on a dry gin foundation rich in juniper, this cocktail lets you savor the well-balanced umami and natural sweetness characteristic of the 9148 series, sourced from Hidaka kelp, dried shiitake mushrooms, and dried daikon radish. Herbal aromas led by coriander merge with subtle accents of Japanese pepper (sansho) and shiso leaves, leaving a satisfying kelp umami in the finish.
Floral Gin Tonic (9148 #1922 SAPPORO)
Featuring “#1922 SAPPORO,” named after the year Sapporo was officially incorporated as a city. Built on a crisp gin base containing lilac—the official flower of Sapporo—and 10 botanicals gathered from Sapporo’s 10 city wards, this cocktail harmonizes refreshing lavender, dessert-like sweetness, tart rhubarb, and subtle bitterness from cacao and tonic water.
Earthy Gin Fizz (9148 #1925 HOPS)
A drink capturing the feeling of a fleeting Hokkaido summer. Crafted with “#1925 HOPS,” a craft gin generously infused with hops from Kamifurano, Hokkaido. The gorgeous aroma and fresh green notes of hops combine with flavors of pineapple and coffee, rounded out with a touch of spicy chili pepper for incredible depth.
【Gin Fair Limited Edition】Pairing Food Menu
For pairing dishes, our in-hotel restaurant The Ball Otaru has prepared three special food items infused with Chinese culinary elements exclusively for this event. Take your time enjoying them alongside our autumn cocktails.
Pricing:
・Gin Fair Limited Food: 700 Yen each (tax included)
・Pairing Set (1 Limited Cocktail + 1 Limited Food Item): 2,000 Yen (tax included)
*Food items are available in limited quantities (while supplies last).
Cold Fried Chicken with Osmanthus Aroma
A cold dish featuring bite-sized fried chicken tossed in a sauce of sweet, aromatic sweet osmanthus jam (guìhuājiàng) and Shaoxing wine. Offering a treat for both taste and aroma, its recommended cocktail pairing is the Earthy Gin Fizz (9148 #1925 HOPS). Enjoy how the gin’s bright violet and citrus notes, accented by pineapple and chili pepper, harmonize with the hop bitterness and earthy notes of the dish.
Homemade Chicken Ham “Yodaredori” Style
A dish featuring house-made chicken ham accompanied by cucumber seasoned with salted kelp (shio-kombu). It is served with a rich, slow-simmered sauce made with star anise, cinnamon, dried orange peel, peanuts, and Sichuan pepper. Pair it with the Aromatic Gin Buck (9148 #3891 BENIZAKURA), whose plum and shiso notes and red-wine-like tannins create a crisp, refreshing combination.
Iburigakko & Sichuan Pepper Cream Cheese
Rich cream cheese infused with aromatic Sichuan pepper, tossed with diced iburigakko (smoked daikon radish). Pairing it with the Herbal Gin Tonic (9148 #0101 STANDARD), known for its refreshing herbal notes and savory umami, highlights the rich creaminess of the cheese alongside the spicy kick of Sichuan pepper and the smoky aroma of iburigakko.
Savoring Deep Autumn with Sweet Delights: Bar Ignis Otaru’s Shime Parfaits
In Hokkaido, ending an evening of dining or drinks with a sweet parfait is a cherished local tradition known as “Shime Parfait.” At Bar Ignis Otaru, you can experience this culture through two types of parfaits: our year-round “Chai and Apple Parfait” and a rotating seasonal creation. It is a popular choice among both staying guests and evening visitors who wish to continue their conversations or wrap up their night with something sweet.
From September 24 (Thu) to November 30 (Mon), 2026, the “Hojicha Tiramisu Parfait” arrives as our autumn seasonal parfait.
Featuring diced sponge cake soaked in cold brew coffee and Marsala wine, layered with house-made hojicha mascarpone cream, hojicha ice cream, chestnut yokan (sweet bean jelly), and warabi mochi, all dusted with cocoa powder for a Japanese-style tiramisu profile. End your autumn evening on a sweet note with your favorite Shime Parfait.
About Benizakura Distillery
Located inside Benizakura Park in southern Sapporo, Hokkaido, this is Hokkaido’s first dedicated craft gin distillery. Utilizing a 400L copper still from Italy’s Barison, the distillery crafts regional spirits by combining natural underground water from Sapporo’s Minami Ward with seasonal Hokkaido botanicals.
Their award-winning “9148” series includes the flagship recipe “#0101″—rich in distinct Hokkaido flavors like Hidaka kelp, dried daikon radish, and shiitake mushrooms—alongside a diverse lineup highlighting seasonal botanicals. WEBSITE
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally constructed in 1931 as the “Former Etchuya Hotel”—Hokkaido’s very first hotel dedicated exclusively to international guests—this historic building served as a military officers’ club during World War II and was later requisitioned by the U.S. military. Designated as an Otaru City Historic Landmark and recognized among the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “33 Heritage Sites of Industrial Modernization,” this iconic structure was meticulously restored over several years into a modern boutique hotel. While preserving its historic character and Art Deco architectural elegance, bold renovations bring a contemporary sensibility to the space. Our mission is to honor heritage while serving as a media-like hub that fosters organic interactions between local residents and travelers. Step inside to experience a unique worldview that goes beyond a traditional classic hotel.
- Hotel Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031
- Access: Approx. 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via the JR Hakodate Main Line, followed by a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station.