When two official traveling parties are staying in the same post station, the more powerful of the two stayed in the main honjin. The major difference, though, is that general travelers were able to stay at the waki-honjin, if they had enough status or money.
When two official traveling parties are housed in the same post station, the more powerful one typically resides in the main honjin. The key distinction lies in the fact that ordinary travelers can stay at the waki-honjin if they possess sufficient prestige or wealth.