Located in the northwestern portion of Gunma Prefecture, Higashiagatsuma is surrounded by high peaks, including Mount Iwabitsu (802.6 meters).

Gunma Prefecture Higashiagatsuma has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

With the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration on April 1, 1889, the town of Hara and the villages of Ota, Iwashima, and Sakaue and Azuma were created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture.

Higashiagatsuma has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 14 members.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.