The total area of the ward was 95.38 square kilometres (36.83 sq mi).

Akiha-ku is located in an inland region of north-central Niigata Prefecture.

Akiha-ku has a Humid climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm, wet summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

[2] The area of present-day Akiha-ku was part of ancient Echigo Province.

The ward has three public high schools operated by the Niigata Prefectural Board of Education.