Meiwa has a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall.

In pre-modern Japan, Meiwa was best known as the location of the ancient Saikū, the residence of the Saiō, an unmarried Imperial princess who, in place of the Emperor, was dispatched to serve as the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrine to perform three important Shinto rituals.

During the Edo period the area developed into a thriving agricultural center and post-town, providing lodging to people making the pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine.

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

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Mie 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.