Shiga Prefecture Yasu has a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall.

Mount Mikami (三上山), standing at an elevation of 432 meters, is affectionately known as "Omi Fuji (近江富士)," as referenced by Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部) in her poem: "Upon setting forth, I gaze upon Mikami's mountain; though snowless (打ち出でて　三上の山を　詠れば　雪こそなけれ　富士のあけぼの), it rivals Fuji at dawn."

Historically cherished, this mountain is also known as "Mukade-yama" due to the legend of the giant centipede slain by Fujiwara Hidesato (Tawara Toda).

Archaeological excavations from the Meiji to Showa periods uncovered 24 bronze bells at the foot of Mount Mikami, suggesting that rituals have been conducted in the area since ancient times.

Yasu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 18 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Shiga 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.