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

The area of present-day Shirako is part of ancient Kazusa Province had numerous fishing hamlets during the Edo period.

It was incorporated into Chōsei District after the Meiji period cadastral reforms and the town of Shirakata was created on April 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system.

Together with the city of Sakura, Shirako, collectively with the other municipalities of Chōsei District, contributes one member to the Chiba Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Chiba 11th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.