Miko - Shrine Maidens
Young women who assist in shrine rituals and perform sacred dances.
Miko are the shrine maidens who assist priests, perform kagura dances, sell amulets and fortunes, and help maintain the shrine. In ancient times, miko served as shamanic intermediaries; today they continue to embody purity and devotion to the kami.
The miko serves with pure heart, her dance a prayer to the kami.
Miko preserve ancient shamanic traditions within modern shrine practice.
Shrine traditions