Mikawa Fireworks With the spread of guns, gunpowder became indispensable. The manufacturer of gunpowder was authorized only to the Matsudaira clan, the roots of the Tokugawa family. At first gunpowder was used only for firearms and for signals, but it began to be used as well for fireworks at festivals. Gradually various techniques were developed by the fireworks craftsmen and became a family secret. Even today various fireworks are being developed.

Stone Works Okazaki is one of the three biggest stone manufacturing sites of Japan, with Makabe (in Ibaragi Prefecture) and Aji (in Kagawa Prefecture). High-quality granite is excavated from its quarries. The stone was first used in building Okazaki Castle. A large number of stone craftsmen were called from all over the country in its reconstruction in 1590. Okazaki's stone lanterns are well known throughtout Japan; Okazaki ranks as the top producer.

Mikawa Buddhist Altars Home altar building started in Okazaki during the 1700s. The characteristics of Mikawa altar is the short leg, gorgeous decorations imitating a big temple, high-quality lacquer painting, and intricate woodcarvings. From olden times, these home altars were made to fit in the closet of Mikawa homes.