Miyazu is located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture at the base of the Tango Peninsula, facing Wakasa Bay of the Sea of Japan to the east.

The naturally formed land bridge is 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long and covered in pine trees.

Kyoto Prefecture Miyazu has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), featuring a marked seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation.

After the Meiji restoration, the town of Miyazu was established within Yosa District with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889.

Miyazu 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 city is part of Kyoto 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.