Minamisatsuma is located at the southwestern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, and faces the East China Sea.

In the northwest of the city is Fukiagehama, one of the three largest sand dune areas in Japan, and in the southwest is a ria coast which is designated as a national scenic spot.

On November 7, 2005, Bōnotsu, was merged to create Minamisatsuma and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

Kinpō (金峰町, Kinpō-chō) was a town located in Hioki District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

On November 7, 2005, Kinpō, was merged to create Minamisatsuma and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

Bōnotsu (坊津町, Bōnotsu-chō) was a town located in Kawanabe District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

On November 7, 2005, Bōnotsu, was merged to create Minamisatsuma and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

Kasasa (笠沙町, Kasasa-chō) was a town located in Kawanabe District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Ōura (大浦町, Ōura-chō) was a town located in Kawanabe District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Minamisatsuma has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 17 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Kagoshima 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.