Summer in Otaru, Closer to the Sky! UNWIND TERRACE Opens for the Season.
We are thrilled to announce that “UNWIND TERRACE,” our hotel’s rooftop space open exclusively during the summer season, is officially open again this year! *Please note: This facility is available exclusively to overnight guests.
A historic cityscape stretching out toward the sparkling sea—spending time on the terrace while gazing at Otaru’s unique scenery makes a summer stay truly unforgettable.
Compared to the main island of Japan, summer in Hokkaido is characterized by low humidity and beautifully crisp, comfortable weather. While you can feel the warmth of the sun, the air remains incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect season to lose track of time outdoors.
From the clear, crisp morning air to the cozy evenings illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, this article introduces our recommended ways to enjoy your time at UNWIND TERRACE!
Table of Contents
A Day at UNWIND TERRACE: Shifting Expressions by the Hour
7:00 AM onward: Embracing the Morning Serenity
Rooftops illuminated by the morning sun, with the vast ocean expanding just beyond them. Because this is the quietest time of the day with very little foot traffic below, you can enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted view of the Otaru cityscape. Whether you prefer reading a book with a fresh cup of coffee in hand or simply soaking in the view, the flow of time—which can feel so rushed in daily life—slows down beautifully when you are traveling.
3:00 PM onward: Feeling the Comfort of a Summer Afternoon
During the day, the terrace is filled with Hokkaido’s signature crisp, refreshing air. It is highly comfortable even under the sun, making it the perfect spot for lounging around. Starting from 1:00 PM, we serve our spice-infused “UNWIND Lemonade” as a welcome drink. Take a breather with a cold drink in hand. We highly recommend using this time to gaze at the scenery or to sit back and plan the rest of your sightseeing itinerary!
6:00 PM onward: Shifting from Twilight to Evening
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, UNWIND TERRACE reveals a completely different expression. From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, you can enjoy our popular Free Wine Service—originally hosted at our lobby bar, Bar Ignis Otaru—right here on the terrace!
Our complimentary wine service features three varieties each of red and white wine. While you are always welcome to enjoy them inside the magical, beautifully lit atmosphere of the bar, you are also completely free to bring your glasses up to the terrace or back to your room! We also provide soft drinks, so those who do not drink alcohol can relax and join in. Sipping a drink while watching the sunset over the Otaru landscape will make your travel memories even more special.
8:00 PM onward: A Summer Night Illuminated by Lanterns
When night falls, the soft glow of lanterns gently lights up the terrace. This hour brings a calm, intimate atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the open freedom of the daytime. Spending a quiet moment wrapped in the peaceful nighttime air of Otaru provides the ultimate rich conclusion to a wonderful day.
[Friday & Saturday Only] “UNWIND TERRACE ICE CREAM” Crafted by Bar Ignis Otaru
Exclusive to Fridays and Saturdays throughout July and August, a special limited-time sweets menu makes its debut at UNWIND TERRACE. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your terrace relaxation with our original summer treats!
“UNWIND TERRACE ICE CREAM” Overview
- Availability: July 1 (Wed) – August 29 (Sat), 2026
- *Available on Fridays and Saturdays only during this period
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Menu Options:
- UNWIND TERRACE ICE CREAM：800 Yen each (tax included)
- Chilled Wine & Ice Cream Pairing Set：1,500 Yen (tax included)
Hokkaido Salt Vanilla x Melon x Prosciutto
We paired a rich salt vanilla ice cream made with salt sourced from Wakkanai—the northernmost point of Japan—with iconic Hokkaido melon and savory prosciutto. The delicate hint of salt within the rich, creamy milk base tightens the overall flavor profile, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste. The elegant sweetness of the melon combined with the saltiness of the prosciutto creates a truly luxurious flavor harmony.
Homemade Haskap x Ganache
This house-made ice cream highlights Haskap (honeyberry), a signature fruit of Hokkaido. Characterized by a vibrant, berry-like sweet and sour profile and a rich fragrance, it harmonizes beautifully with the decadent depth of Ganache. The refreshing acidity of the Haskap elevates the sweetness of the chocolate, making it feel like a true reward at the end of the day.
Hojicha x Shine Muscat
Fragrant hojicha (roasted green tea) ice cream is paired with crisp, juicy Shine Muscat grapes. The gentle sweetness of condensed milk and the delicate saltiness of a cheese tuile act as perfect accents. The smoky flavor of the roasted tea combined with the crisp sweetness of the fruit delivers a light, thoroughly summer-perfect taste.
Chilled Wine & Ice Cream Pairing Set
We are also offering a “Chilled Wine & Ice Cream Pairing Set” for 1,500 Yen (tax included), which allows you to combine your favorite ice cream flavor with a sweet, locally produced Otaru sparkling wine! Please take this chance to try a slightly sophisticated, unique pairing experience under the stars.
Staff Top Pick!
My absolute personal favorite is the “Homemade Haskap x Ganache”!
It allows you to fully experience the intense, rich fruitiness of Haskap, a true Hokkaido specialty, making it the perfect choice to enjoy summer and Hokkaido all in a single bite. While it is topped with rich, indulgent Ganache, it pairs incredibly well with the refreshing tartness of the Haskap, ensuring a clean and pleasant finish down to the very last spoonful. Additionally, it is garnished with nuts and whole Haskap berries, so you can enjoy a playful contrast in textures as you eat!
Whether as a reward after a long day of daytime sightseeing or as a companion to watch the sunset from the rooftop, please spend a relaxing summer moment alongside our limited-edition original ice creams!
A Place to Savor Otaru’s Summer
Whether it is the deep, brilliant blue of the daytime sky, the shifting colors of twilight, or the quiet night illuminated by lanterns—UNWIND TERRACE offers a landscape and an atmosphere that can only be experienced right here in Otaru.
During your stay, please feel free to drop by whenever you like. We hope these comfortable summer scenes add a beautiful new layer to your travel memories!
UNWIND TERRACE 2026 Overview
- Operating Period: July 1 (Wed) – September 30 (Wed), 2026 (Scheduled)
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (*Welcome Drink Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Venue: 4F Rooftop Terrace, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Important Notes: * Exclusive to overnight guests.
- The terrace may close without prior notice in the event of bad weather (*Ice cream sales will also be suspended during inclement weather). Thank you for your understanding.
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Overview
- Property Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031
- Access: Approximately 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via the JR Hakodate Main Line, followed by a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station.