Dosojin are guardian deities who are closely associated with roads, travelers and local boundaries. They come in many forms, but are generally small, carved stones in a human form. Dososhin are frequently specialized; some protect travelers, some protect the road itself and some protect horses (who were often used to bear some of the burden of travelers on the old Nakasendo). The guardian deities are found most often in the more isolated parts of an old highway, where protection was most welcome, and near the mountain passes.
