daimyo's secondary residence; daimyo villa on the outskirts of Edo
Historical term for a secondary residence maintained by a daimyo in the outskirts of Edo during the Edo period, often used as a retreat or for overflow from the main residence.
During the Edo period, many daimyo had a secondary residence on the outskirts of Edo.
中屋敷 was an intermediate residence between the main 上屋敷 and the suburban 下屋敷, sometimes used by the heir or for specific functions.
Compound of 下 (しも, 'lower' or 'outskirts') and 屋敷 (やしき, 'residence'). The term reflects the location of these villas on the outskirts of Edo, away from the main castle area.