Translation guide
A historical relay station along major roads in pre-modern Japan, providing lodging, horses, and supplies for travelers and officials.
A station along the old highways (like the Tōkaidō) where travelers could rest, change horses, and get supplies.
The standard term for a post station on the Edo-period highways. Often part of a larger post town (宿場町).
東海道には五十三の宿場があった。
There were 53 post stations along the Tōkaidō.
An older term for a post station, originally from the ancient Chinese-inspired system. Now mainly means 'train station', but appears in historical contexts.
古代の駅制度は律令制に基づいていた。
The ancient post station system was based on the Ritsuryō codes.
A compound of 宿 (lodging) and 駅 (station), used in historical or academic contexts to emphasize the lodging function.
宿駅制度は江戸時代に整備された。
The post station system was developed during the Edo period.
The town that grew up around a post station, with inns, restaurants, and services for travelers.
The town surrounding a post station. Many historic post towns are preserved as tourist attractions.
妻籠宿は美しい宿場町として知られている。
Tsumago-juku is known as a beautiful post town.
A place along a modern expressway where drivers can rest, eat, and refuel, analogous to the historical post station.
Literally 'road station', these are government-designated rest areas along national highways, often selling local produce and providing tourist information. Not exactly a 'post station' but a modern equivalent.
ドライブの途中で道の駅に寄った。
We stopped at a roadside station during our drive.
The English 'post station' refers to a historical relay station, not a post office (郵便局, ゆうびんきょく). If you mean a place to send mail, use 郵便局.
Post stations were crucial during the Edo period (1603–1868) for the sankin kōtai system, where daimyō traveled to Edo. Many are now preserved as tourist sites.
Service area on an expressway. Larger than a parking area (パーキングエリア), with restaurants, shops, and gas stations.
次のサービスエリアで休憩しよう。
Let's take a break at the next service area.