Tōkamachi has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) characterized by warm, wet summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

[4] Because Tōkamachi lies in a valley, wind patterns bring in clouds from both the Sea of Japan as well as the Pacific Ocean.

Following the Meiji restoration, was the capital of the newly-formed Nakauonuma District of Niigata Prefecture, and was proclaimed a village on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Tōkamachi gained city status on March 31, 1954, by merging with the neighbouring villages of Nakajō, Kawaji and Rokka.

[7][8] Tōkamachi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 24 members.

Tōkamachi's status as a silk production hub subsequently made it a prominent producer of kimonos, although that has faded in recent years.