ichidan verb
gaze into the distance; look afar
Describes looking at a distant scene or landscape, often with a sense of quiet contemplation.
彼は丘の上から海を打ち眺めていた。
He was gazing out at the sea from the top of the hill.
ichidan verb
gaze absently; look at while lost in thought
Focuses on the mental state: looking at something without really seeing it, absorbed in one's own thoughts or daydreams.
彼女は窓の外を打ち眺めながら、昔のことを思い出していた。
She was gazing absently out the window, recalling old memories.