Traditional Japanese traveler's insurance: 道祖神 (どうそじん, dōsojin)

May 07, 2025

Dōshin are gods or spirits associated with roads, travel and protection during journeys. I bought these delightful paper masks (men) when I first arrived in Japan (so a very long time ago!) and now they're hanging above the sink in my California kitchen. Every time I look at them, they remind me of all the good luck I've had in all the places I've traveled to and have lived in.