also: さいのかみ · さえのかみ
A Shinto folk deity believed to protect travelers and ward off evil spirits at village boundaries, crossroads, and mountain passes. Often represented by stone markers or small shrines.
A traveler's guardian deity is enshrined at the entrance of the village.
It is believed that the traveler's guardian deity protects the safety of journeys.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.