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

The legendary Kofun period Emperor Keitai's Prince Otokuni, constructed a palace in this location in 518 AD.

These villages merged on April 1, 1949 to form the town of Nagaoka, which was elevated to city status on October 1, 1972, taking the name of Nagaoka-kyō.

Nagaokakyō 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 the Kyoto 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

The Garasha Festival is held at both the Nagaokakyo Cultural Center and Shoryuji Castle, while the parade runs throughout the city.