Experience the Shifting Seasons Like Romance : ‘Bloom for me’ Exhibition at UNWIND GALLERY
Immerse yourself in a seasonal art experience that feels like falling in love at UNWIND GALLERY, located within our stunning, historically rich hotel. We are proud to host “Bloom for me,” an exhibition featuring beautiful flower and plant motifs that capture the essence of romance. As the 16th edition of our in-hotel gallery project, this exhibition by Hokkaido-born artist SARU 1 will run from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026. Along with the artwork, a limited-time “Art-Pairing Cocktail” will also be available at the hotel bar.
UNWIND GALLERY: A Fusion of Magical Art Deco Spaces and Contemporary Art by Hokkaido-Connected Artists
Located in Otaru, Hokkaido, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is a uniquely stylish boutique hotel. Originally built in 1931 as the “Former Etchuya Hotel”—the very first hotel in Hokkaido dedicated exclusively to foreign guests—it has been boldly renovated with modern sensibilities while fully preserving its historical emotional depth and architectural beauty.
In November 2022, we established “UNWIND GALLERY” as a dedicated space to share Hokkaido’s vibrant culture with the world through art. Utilizing the 1F lobby and the Bar Ignis Otaru space, the gallery features different artists with ties to Hokkaido every season, bringing a completely fresh look and feel to the hotel throughout the year.
Visitors can experience the entire magical space as a work of art, deeply influenced by the “Art Deco” architectural style that swept through Europe and America from the mid-1910s to the 1930s. Additionally, the gallery operates as an exhibition and sale, allowing you to purchase your favorite pieces. We also serve special “Art-Pairing Cocktails” that let you enjoy the exhibition’s theme through taste and aroma.
We want everyone to feel welcome to enjoy art, whether you are a staying guest, a local resident, or a traveler just popping in. For this reason, admission is entirely free for everyone.
Perfect for a break during your stroll through Otaru, after a day of work, or during a relaxing weekend getaway. Take your time admiring your favorite pieces in our magical hotel setting, sip on an art cocktail, and lose track of time as you immerse yourself in the world of art.
Exhibition Overview
- Exhibition: SARU 1 “Bloom for me”
- Location: UNWIND GALLERY (1F, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU)
- Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Admission: Free.
- The gallery is open to the public free of charge so that locals and travelers can easily drop by. (Open daily from 7:00 AM to midnight)
- *The artist’s scheduled days at the gallery will be announced on the hotel’s official Instagram.
“Bloom for me” Exhibition by SARU 1
For our 16th gallery project, we are thrilled to present “Bloom for me” by Hokkaido-born artist SARU 1. Based on the theme of “feeling the seasons as if falling in love,” a collection of 25 pieces featuring flower and plant motifs will color the entire space, stretching from the 1F lobby area to Bar Ignis Otaru.
Drawn using a unique technique of layering acrylic paint with confident brushstrokes, the artwork is characterized by a graphical rather than realistic expression. With vibrant colors and a free-flowing touch, the pieces capture the crisp air of early summer in Hokkaido and flowers swaying in the breeze. You can enjoy beautiful, lush summer landscapes that make your heart flutter, just like the excitement of falling in love.
Savor a quiet moment of art appreciation either by yourself or while chatting with your companion. Allow SARU 1’s artwork to illuminate the magical Art Deco hotel space, and let it remind you of the breathtaking moments and seasonal memories from your own daily life.
Artist Comment
The shifting of the seasons is a lot like falling in love.
The feeling of a breeze on your bare arms for the first time in months; the sky still bright at 7:00 PM; the distant sound of fireworks reaching your ears a moment too late; a rainbow appearing after a sudden summer downpour on a hot day; the evening chirping of autumn insects; the cold tips of your toes in sandals; the tired look of the city streets; the winter snow shelters set up in a neighbor’s garden; the smell of a space heater; a day completely shut in by snow.
Longing is made of both joy and loneliness.
The title “Bloom for me” carries a subtle meaning of “fall in love with me.”
Being in love with something is what makes life fun.
It makes the world dramatic and exciting.
Through this exhibition—using plants, gardens, and living things—I hope visitors can experience that beautiful mix of joy and loneliness, much like the feelings of romance.
When you are in love, even the most ordinary scenery looks like a wonderful movie. I believe that is a truly rich experience that makes living so much more enjoyable.
Art-Pairing Cocktails: Savoring the Artwork Through Taste and Aroma
The greatest feature of UNWIND GALLERY is that our hotel’s bar, “Bar Ignis Otaru,” functions as an extended part of the gallery itself. To allow guests to experience “Bloom for me” not just visually but also through taste and scent, we are offering a limited-time art-pairing cocktail. For this exhibition, we present “Lucent Petals,” a drink inspired by transparent petals that mirror the light, gentle fluttering of a heart experiencing romance.
This drink features a base of two blended gins, enhanced with the sweet, refreshing aroma of elderflower and the crisp, citrusy notes of bergamot liqueur, all topped off with local Hokkaido cider. It offers a delicate flavor profile where a gorgeous, lingering finish blooms within a crisp, clean freshness. Take your time to find your favorite piece of art while sipping your drink. We invite you to enjoy this unique hotel experience that fully immerses your senses of smell and taste into the art world.
Bar Ignis Otaru
- Available at: Bar Ignis Otaru (1F Lobby Bar, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU)
- Hours: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (L.O. 11:00 PM)
Artist Profile
SARU 1
Born in Fukagawa, Hokkaido.
Lived in Otaru until university, then moved to Tokyo at age 19.
After returning to Otaru, published a one-shot manga in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. Spent about four years developing stories alongside editors before pausing creative activities for marriage and childbirth. Resumed work as an illustrator in 2020. Participated in the Busan Annual Art Market (BAMA) in 2024, and held an exhibition at “tou;” in Toyako Town, Hokkaido, in 2025. Currently working on a dual personal project: Side A “People,” which depicts the world we live in today, and Side B “Pooool,” which explores past and internal worlds.
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally built in 1931 as the “Former Etchuya Hotel,” this historic building was the first hotel in Hokkaido dedicated exclusively to foreign guests. It lived through a rich history, serving as a military officer’s club during World War II and later being requisitioned by the US military. Designated as a Historic Building by Otaru City and named one of the “33 Modern Industrial Heritage Sites” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, it has been beautifully reborn after years of closure. While preserving the emotional depth and architectural beauty of its past, the property underwent a bold renovation to emerge as a contemporary boutique hotel. Our mission is to preserve what has been passed down from the past to the present while creating an organic hub for connection between locals and travelers. We invite you to experience a unique, imaginative world that redefines the classic hotel experience.
Facility Overview
- Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
- Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
- Access: Approx. 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station via JR Hakodate Main Line, then a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station to the hotel.