The Nagatoro River is well known for its rapids and whitewater rafting and boating, and the entire town is designated as a prefectural nature park and preserve.

Nagatoro has a humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall.

The village of Nagami was created within Chichibu District, Saitama with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889, and was elevated to town status on February 15, 1940.

Nagatoro has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of ten members.

Nagatoro, together with the towns of Higashichichibu, Minano, Ogano and Yokoze, contributes one member to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly.