A new wagashi sweet has launched from Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture. "Yuki Warabi Mochi" (Snow Warabi Mochi), released on April 25, 2026 under the regional brand Yukinochikara, is a premium frozen warabi mochi created by Okashidokoro Takahashi, a long-established confectionery shop in the town.
The product uses 100% rare hon-warabiko (genuine bracken fern starch) harvested from "Nishi-warabi" — Japan's first mountain vegetable to receive GI (Geographical Indication) registration — carefully kneaded by skilled artisans. Yuda Milk, a dairy product long beloved in the local area, is blended into the dough, resulting in a milky softness and richness unlike that of conventional warabi mochi. A finishing coat of coconut milk powder gives the mochi a pure white appearance evoking fresh snow, capturing the spirit of Nishiwaga, the snow country.
A Snow-Digging Experience
Pressing a spoon into the mochi, it gently sinks — much like digging into fresh powder snow. This tactile experience of uncovering the soft mochi from beneath a layer of white coconut powder is intentionally designed as part of the enjoyment, evoking the feeling of discovering a hidden treasure buried in snow. Once in the mouth, the mochi's characteristic springy chew and the gentle sweetness of milk come together in a new and distinct texture.
Product Highlights
- 100% genuine bracken fern starch from "Nishi-warabi" (Japan's first GI-registered mountain vegetable)
- Hand-kneaded by skilled artisans
- Made with locally produced Yuda Milk
- Dusted with coconut milk powder for a snow-white finish
- Chewy yet melt-in-your-mouth texture
- An interactive "digging through snow" eating experience
Background: Turning Snow into Regional Strength
Nishiwaga Town is one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the Tohoku region, surrounded by the Ou Mountains. The abundant snow nourishes local water and agricultural produce, forming the foundation of its food culture. The Yukinochikara brand was established to transform this snow into a source of regional value, and "Yuki Warabi Mochi" stands as a flagship product of that vision — combining the town's distinctive Nishi-warabi bracken fern starch with locally sourced milk, and dusted with a powder that evokes fresh snowfall.
Comment from the Creator
Shinobu Takahashi, representative of Okashidokoro Takahashi, shared the following:
"Nishiwaga's bracken fern starch is a very delicate ingredient, but it allows us to create a texture unlike anything else. By adding milk, we have brought out a softness and richness not found in conventional warabi mochi. Along with its snow-like appearance, we hope people enjoy the fun of eating it. Please savor the flavors unique to Nishiwaga."
Product Details
Product Name: Yukinochikara "Yuki Warabi Mochi"
Contents: Milk warabi mochi (coconut milk powder style); uses 100% Nishiwaga-grown bracken fern starch and Yuda Milk
Sold frozen — thaw before eating
Manufacturer: Okashidokoro Takahashi
Price: 1,200 yen (tax included)
Release Date: April 25, 2026
Available at:
- Okashidokoro Takahashi (Nishiwaga-cho, Yunomoto 30-kuchi 8-2)
- Yumu Plaza (Nishiwaga-cho, Kawashiri 40-kuchi 73-11 / in front of JR Kitakami Line Hottoyuda Station)
Online:
Also available as a Nishiwaga Town hometown tax return gift (Furusato Choice):
