This is the 2629th most frequent Japanese word.
故郷
Hometown; birthplace; native place.
Here, 故郷 refers to the speaker's homeland or place of origin, showcasing an emotional attachment to its scenery.
故郷の景色が恋しいです。
I miss the scenery of my hometown.
In this usage, 故郷 represents the geographic location of one's upbringing or origin, the place the speaker intends to visit.
私は夏休みに故郷を訪れる予定です。
I plan to visit my hometown during summer vacation.
Here, 故郷 symbolizes a concept of home tied to personal memories and nostalgia, indicating its importance beyond just a physical location.