Hitachiōta City is located in the northeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture and belongs to the Kenpoku (northern prefectural) region. It was established as a city in 1954. Geographically, it stretches in a north-south direction and has the largest area among all municipalities in the prefecture. With its diverse topography combining mountain valleys and alluvial plains, the city is rich in natural resources and possesses strong local character.
Three rivers—Asakawa, Yamadagawa, and Satogawa—flow parallel from west to east across the city, eventually merging into the Kuji River in the southern part. These river valleys form the main areas for settlements and agricultural lands. The old urban area of Hitachiōta, developed along the Satogawa River at the entrance of the valley where it opens into the plain, historically served as the commercial center of southern Kuji District.
Near the confluence with the Kuji River, the terrain flattens into an alluvial plain, with villages spread along natural levees. Behind these levees, wet lowlands have been developed into rice paddies, creating a characteristic rural landscape.
Although the Nakazato area in the central part is geographically connected to Hitachi City, meaning that the former Satomi Village and former Hitachiōta City do not directly border each other, the Higashikawachi area and Motoyama Tunnel serve as important transportation links, facilitating interaction and connectivity between Hitachiōta and central Hitachi City.
