The total area of the town is 70.87 square kilometres (70,870,000 m2) Takanezawa is located in the flatlands of east-central Tochigi Prefecture with an average elevation of 109–195 meters.

Tochigi Prefecture Nasu has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

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

Takanezawa, together with the city of Sakura and town of Shioya collectively contributes two members to the Tochigi Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Tochigi 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.