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.
In cases where two official groups were staying at the same post station, the more influential party was housed in the main honjin. A notable difference, nonetheless, exists: common travelers had access to the waki-honjin, provided they held adequate social standing or financial resources.