Satsuma is located in an inland region in the central-northern part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Precipitation is significant throughout the year, and is heavier in summer, especially the months of June and July.

The villages of Tsuruta, Yamazaki, Sashi, Miyanojo, Nagano, and Omura were established on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Satsuma has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 16 members.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Kagoshima 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.