Due to its elevation, the city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and cold, very snowy winters (Köppen Dwb).

[2] Tōmi is located in former Shinano Province and developed as a series of post stations on the Hokkoku Kaidō.

Per Japanese census data,[4] the population of Tōmi has remained relatively steady over the past 70 years.

Tōmi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 17 members.

Nissin Kogyo, an automotive parts company specializing in the manufacture of braking systems for 2- and 4-wheeled vehicles, has its headquarters in the city.