noun
daimyo's spare residence; emergency refuge
Historical term for a secondary residence maintained by a daimyo, often used as a retreat or emergency shelter. Not used in modern everyday contexts.
江戸時代、大名は火事や災害に備えて中屋敷を構えることがあった。
In the Edo period, daimyo sometimes maintained a spare residence in case of fire or disaster.
noun
residence of a daimyo's successor
Historical term for the residence assigned to the designated heir of a daimyo. Rare and specific to feudal domain administration.
藩主の後継者は中屋敷で暮らし、政務の修行を積んだ。
The daimyo's successor lived in the heir's residence and trained in governance.
下屋敷 is another type of secondary residence, often used as a villa or retreat, distinct from the specific functions of 中屋敷.
Compound of 中 (naka, 'middle' or 'secondary') and 屋敷 (yashiki, 'residence'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects the hierarchical structure of daimyo residences in the Edo period.