also: こうの
noun
suburban fields; outlying fields
Refers to fields or open land on the outskirts of a city or town. Somewhat literary or formal; in everyday speech, 郊外の畑 or similar phrases are more common.
郊野を散策すると、心が落ち着く。
Strolling through the suburban fields calms the mind.
郊外 is the common word for 'suburbs' or 'outskirts', referring to the residential or developed area, while 郊野 specifically emphasizes the fields or open land.
Compound of 郊 (outskirts, suburb) and 野 (field, plain). The reading こうや is the standard on'yomi combination; こうの is an alternative reading where 野 uses its kun'yomi, but this is less common.