Tamamo manages Tama no Yu, a hot springs hotel in a remote, snowy mountain region. During slow periods at the hot springs, she operates the beachside restaurant Tama no Ya, assisted by Yukihana in both ventures. She is the adoptive mother of Chizuru Minamoto, with no biological relation. Tamamo is a powerful kitsune, specifically the legendary nine-tailed fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae. Her fox form has golden fur and nine white-gold tails. In human form, she has black hair often tied up, typically wears a black yukata, and her hair turns blonde when she transforms. She possesses larger breasts than her daughter Chizuru. Her eyes are described as either yellow or green.

She displays a carefree, frequently smiling personality and deeply cares for her daughter, despite Chizuru not always returning these feelings. Tamamo meddles in Chizuru's relationship with Kouta Oyamada, though she generally gets along with him. For example, during Kouta's visit to her hot springs, she tests their bond using a special beverage called the Nine Tail Brew. This potion induces love in humans towards the first person they see after consumption, leading Kouta to temporarily fall in love with Nozomu Ezomori instead of Chizuru, causing significant distress. Her background reveals she fell in love with Yasunari Abe, the hero from "The Legend of the Nine-tailed Fox." Contrary to the legend implying he killed her, he took her as his bride. This experience informs her supportive stance on human-yōkai relationships, motivating her encouragement of Kouta's relationship with Chizuru. She knows about the dragon Yamata no Orochi sealed within Chizuru.

Her abilities include creating the Nine Tail Brew and forming magical barriers, such as one around the hot springs ensuring privacy. She actively intervenes to test or influence the relationships around her, particularly through supernatural means tied to her identity as a nine-tailed fox. Her early life with Yasunari Abe and her role as Chizuru's adoptive mother shape her actions and motivations. Her character role remains consistent across the series and related media as a supporting figure using her powers and influence to impact central relationships, particularly between Chizuru and Kouta. Interventions like the love potion test serve as narrative devices to challenge or progress these relationships.