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

According to legend Emperor Jimmu climbed Mount Suisho in Tsukumi and offered mandarin oranges to the people.

Following the Meiji restoration, the village of Tsukumi (津組村) within Minamiamabe District, Ōita was established on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Tsukumi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 12 members.

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