relay station; post station; stage
Historical term for official stopping points along major roads during the Edo period, where travelers could rest, change horses, and relay goods or messages.
The shogunate established a relay station in this town.
Fifty-three post stations were established along the Tōkaidō.
Travelers changed horses at the relay stations.
This village flourished as a relay station during the Edo period.
駅 today means a modern train station, whereas 宿駅 refers specifically to the historical Edo-period relay stations along highways.
Compound of 宿 (lodging) and 駅 (station, relay), reflecting its historical function as a lodging and relay point along major roads.