The guide at the crossroads
Sarutahiko 猿田彦大神
Also known as: Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami
Element: Earth (土)
The myth
When Ninigi was about to descend from heaven to earth, a towering god with a long nose and shining eyes stood at the crossroads of heaven. It was Sarutahiko, an earthly god who had come to show the way.
He guided Ninigi down to the land, and later settled in Ise. He is often paired with Ame-no-Uzume, the goddess who danced at the Rock Cave.
What people pray to Sarutahiko for
- New paths and fresh starts
- Safe travel
- Warding off misfortune
Why: Because he showed the way at the crossroads, he is the god of "opening the road": new starts, career changes and safe travel.
Where to meet Sarutahiko
The element shown is the one used by Kamimap's fun guardian-kami quiz, based on traditional five-element associations. It is not a religious teaching.