The museum displays items collected by the Tanabe clan for over 25 generations. It was created in 1979 by the governor of the Shimane prefecture, Tanabe Choemon. Most of the pieces showcased are related to the tea ceremony and the utensils used in this ritual, notably some beautiful ceramics. Calligraphies, paintings, etchings, tapestries, pottery, vases and other antiquities are also exhibited on three other floors.