Yamato occupies the central portion of the northeast coast of Amami Ōshima, facing the East China Sea.

Precipitation is high throughout the year, but is highest in the months of May, June and September.

As with all of the Amami Islands, the village came under the administration of the United States from July 1, 1946 to December 25, 1953.

The village economy is primarily agricultural, with sugar cane and horticulture as the main activities.

Media related to Yamato, Kagoshima at Wikimedia Commons