The spirit world or realm is a central motif in Spirited Away. It is a world apart from the everyday human world, but Chihiro and her parents find themselves drawn right into it as they drive to their new home on the hilltop. Chihiro’s father makes a wrong turn and starts careening down a forested path. As he drives, Chihiro notices shrines and guardian statues in the woods. First, she sees a pile of Hokora strewn in a pile beside the road. These miniature Shinto shrines are usually meticulously placed, and to see them this way is odd. Chihiro’s mother scoffs at the shrines, showcasing her lack of regard for nature and the spirit world. Although Chihiro is not spiritually aware, she still senses that something is wrong. Still, her father drives on, and she spots a Dosojin statue staring at her in the trees. A Dosojin is a Shinto guardian deity with two faces. They are commonly placed at entrances and barriers, and in this case, the Dosojin are guarding the entrance to the spirit realm.

A Dosojin is standing right in the middle of the road, and Father grinds the vehicle to a halt when he sees it.