Tsurugashima is located at the tip of the Iruma Plateau, and the elevation is about 30 to 50 meters above sea level, gently descending from the southwest to the northeast.

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

The area around Tsurugashima has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and a number of large burial mounds from the Kofun period are preserved within the city limits.

The village of Tsurugashima was created within Koma District, Saitama with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Saitama 10th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.