Delivering the Snow Country Experience from Iwate's Nishiwaga Town
Nishiwaga Industrial Public Corporation (Kawajiri, Nishiwaga Town, Waga District, Iwate Prefecture) has begun sales of the "At-Home Snow Light Set," a winter-limited gift product from the regional brand "Yukinochikara."
This product is an experiential gift that combines real snow from the snow country of Nishiwaga, sweets made by local businesses, and a snow lantern experience kit all in one box. Using the bucket filled with snow and lighting an LED candle, customers can enjoy creating their own small "yukiakari" (snow lantern) at home.
The "At-Home Snow Light Set" was born in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, stemming from the desire to "deliver the snow country winter to people's home time" when going out was restricted. Since its release, the product has been well-received as a gift for regions without snow and for families who couldn't return home. In 2022, it received the "Furusato Meihin of the Year 2021 Regional Revitalization Grand Prize (Product Category)." Today, it has become an eagerly anticipated standard product as "a gift that delivers the winter snow country culture."
The order period runs until February 7 (Saturday) for both retail sales and as a hometown tax donation return gift.
Yukinochikara "At-Home Snow Light Set" Product Details
Set Contents:
- Yukinochikara recommended sweets (this year available in 2 set varieties)
- Snow lantern-making bucket: 1 piece
- LED candle: 1 piece
- Nishiwaga snow
Sales deadline: February 7, 2026
Sales location: Nishiwaga Industrial Public Corporation EC "Nishiwaga no Misekko"
URL: https://nishiwaga-shop.raku-uru.jp/item-detail/1308061
Two Set Varieties
① Cute Snow Country Set
Price: 2,550 yen (tax included) + shipping
- Frozen amazake "Amayukichan" strawberry flavor: 1 piece
- Warabimochi "Yuki no Yousei" (cassis and brown sugar): 1 piece each
② NISHIWAGA Cream Puff Set
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included) + shipping
- Nishiwaga Town original cookie cream puff: 2 pieces
*Also available as a "Nishiwaga Town Hometown Tax Donation Return Gift" (return gift is set ① only)
Furusato Choice: https://www.furusato-tax.jp/product/detail/03366/5240591
"Yukinochikara" Brand: Winter-Limited Gift Set
Nishiwaga Town in Iwate Prefecture is one of the most exceptional heavy snowfall areas in the Tohoku region. The "Yukinochikara" project views the unfavorable condition of "heavy snowfall" as a regional resource and transforms it into the town's charm. Local businesses formed a council to operate the regional brand, working on sixth-sector industrialization and regional appeal promotion by weaving stories around delicious food and unique snow country culture made possible by heavy snowfall. The project began in 2015 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The "At-Home Snow Light Set" turns the snow itself into a gift. For local residents, snow can be a "nuisance" that hinders daily life, but for people in regions without snow, it becomes a delightful "gift." The goal is to bring smiles and excitement to recipients, encouraging them to visit Nishiwaga in person. For local residents, the project aims to transform their perception of heavy snowfall from a burden to the town's "treasure," fostering civic pride and increasing exchange population.
Awarded Highest Honor at "Furusato Meihin of the Year 2021"
Furusato Meihin of the Year is an award system that evaluates products hidden in regions and the stories and initiatives supporting them, with the purpose of creating momentum for regional transformation. The "At-Home Snow Light Set" received the highest award in the product category, the "Furusato Meihin of the Year 2021 'Regional Revitalization Grand Prize (Product Category)' (Minister of State for Regional Revitalization Award)."
In the judging session, the product was praised as "utilizing snow as a regional asset and contributing to increased exchange population," and was unanimously selected for the highest award.
Key Points
Perfect Gift for Families with Children, Regions Without Snow, and Town Natives
Orders have been received from people sending gifts to families who couldn't return home, and from regions without snow like Okinawa. The product has been particularly well-received by families with children, with thank-you messages and photos arriving from recipients.
Delivering Nishiwaga's Atmosphere Along with Snow
This is an "experiential" gift that allows people to intuitively feel the snow country atmosphere by touching cold snow. Customers can enjoy the unique tactile sensation of snow and the experience of snow play at home.
Promoting Nishiwaga Town's Biggest Winter Event "Yukiakari"
"Yukiakari" is a winter tradition in Nishiwaga Town that has continued for over 30 years. This year's town-wide event "Yukiakari in Nishiwaga 2026" will be held on February 7, 2026 (Saturday). By creating products themed around "yukiakari," a winter festival cherished by Nishiwaga residents and well-known outside the town, the brand strengthens regional identity while promoting the event.
