Kitaakita is located in the mountains of northeastern Akita Prefecture, with the Ōu Mountains on the east. Part of the city is within the borders of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Much of the city area is covered in forest. Due to its inland location, the city is noted for its heavy snowfall in winter. It is approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Akita City, the prefectural capital.