noun
love of one's hometown
A somewhat formal or literary term for deep affection toward one's hometown or birthplace. Often used in speeches, essays, or discussions of regional identity.
彼の愛郷心は、地元の祭りへの参加に表れている。
His love for his hometown shows in his participation in the local festival.
郷土愛 is a more common and slightly broader term for love of one's native region or homeland, while 愛郷心 is more literary and specifically emphasizes the heart/mind aspect (心).
Compound of 愛 (love), 郷 (hometown), and 心 (heart/mind). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common Sino-Japanese pattern for abstract nouns.