After Chūō-ku, Higashi-ku is the second smallest ward in Niigata City, making up about 5% of the total land area.

It ranks third for largest population, with about 17% of Niigata's residents living in the Higashi-ku.

Higashi-ku is located in north-east Niigata city, directly east of the central Chūō-ku and is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the north.

The Agano River in the eastern part of the ward is on the border with neighboring Kita-ku.

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