Tobacco made its earliest appearance in human culture amid the highly developed pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas. During the sixteenth century, the plant and its uses became known in other parts of the world as well. About 1600, tobacco arrived in Japan, where it led to the creation of new and artistically significant forms of material culture.

The relationship of mankind to salt is older still, as salt is a substance indispensable for maintaining life.Since Japan has no viable natural sources of salt, the early inhabitants were forced to use their ingenuity in producing sea salt. Over the centuries, this disadvantage resulted in a sophisticated, unique salt technology.

The Tobacco and Salt Museum is a many-sided institution that specializes in the collection and study of materials relating to tobacco and salt, which were the monopoly goods in Japan. The quality and interest level of its exhibitions and other events make it a favorite with the public.