Kyōtango is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan on the western side of the Tango Peninsula in the northwestern corner of Kyoto Prefecture.

The area of Kyōtango was a major cultural center during the Yayoi and Kofun periods, and had direct trade contacts with the Asian mainland.

Kyōtango has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 22 members.

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

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force maintains a facility in the city called the Kyogamisaki Sub-Base.

The Kumihama area is well known for its many hot springs, while Amino is one of the major producers of Tango Chirimen cloth.

Kyoto Tango Railway – Miyazu Line Kyōtango was home to Jiroemon Kimura who was born in the city in 1897.