The entire town is a volcanic hilly area, and the hills extend all the way to the western coast facing Ōmura Bay.

This was the crossing point for the 26 Kirishitan martyrs as they boarded boats at this location and continued across the bay to Nagasaki where they were crucified as an example to all who practiced the Christian faith.

Higashisonogi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 11 members.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Nagasaki 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Traditionally, Higashisonogi was a whaling town and commercial fishing remains a major component of the local economy.