1.
suburbs; outskirts; environs
The area surrounding a city, typically residential or semi-rural districts outside the urban center.
Compound of 近 (near) + 郊 (outskirts). Not to be confused with the homophone 均衡 (balance, equilibrium).
Common collocations
Usage
Typically used with larger city names: 東京近郊, 大阪近郊. Similar to 郊外 (suburbs), but 近郊 emphasizes proximity to the city center, while 郊外 focuses on being outside the city proper.