One's hometown or birthplace; the place where one grew up (often evokes nostalgia or returning home).
故郷に帰ると、子どもの頃の友達に会った。
When I returned to my hometown I met friends from my childhood.
祭りのたびに故郷の町を懐かしく思い出す。
Every festival makes me nostalgically remember my hometown town.
彼女は故郷を離れて都会で働いている。
She left her hometown and works in the city.
An archaic meaning referring to ruins or historic remains; a literary/old-fashioned usage.
古文書には故郷の城跡が記されていた。
The old records described the ruins of the castle in that area.