Dōsojin

Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a special stone or stick with a cloth tied around it while walking in the mountains or countryside in Japan? That's called a dōsojin!

Now, a dōsojin is a kind of protective god or spirit which people believe can bring good luck, fortune and protection against evil. They are often placed at the entrance of a village or on mountain passes, where they can guard people from bad spirits and ill fate.

Some dōsojin are made in the form of stones, and others are wooden carvings with faces and/or genitalia. According to tradition, some dōsojin are also considered to be fertility deities and can help women have babies or help couples have a happy marriage.

People usually put offerings like sake, rice, or other small objects in front of them as a sign of respect and to ask for their protection. In the olden days, travelers would often take a quick break and bow before them before continuing on their journey.

So, in short, dōsojin are believed to be protective gods who can bring good luck and protect people from harm. They are found in the Japanese countryside and can be made of stone or wood. People put offerings in front of them and ask for their protection when traveling or in need.