Kobayashi City is located in the southwestern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, bordering Miyazaki City, Miyakonojo City, and Ebino City. The Kobayashi Basin lies in the central-southern part of the city, with the city center to the north. The southwestern part faces the Kirishima Mountains. Tourist attractions selected as one of Japan's 100 best natural landscapes include Yagura no Todoroki at Sannomiya Gorge, one of Japan's 100 best soundscapes; Idenoyama Spring Water, one of Japan's 100 best water sources; and Sannomiya Gorge, one of Japan's 100 best walking trails. Other attractions include the Ikoma Plateau, Kita Kirishima Cosmo Dome, Kirishima Mine Shrine, and the remains of Kamiya Barrier. The city also hosts the Makiba Cherry Blossom Festival, which coincides with the cherry blossom season; the Kobayashi Famous Water Festival in August; and the Kobayashi Autumn Festival in November. The city's tree is the fir, its flower is the cosmos, and its insect is the firefly.