Defining images of Japan, Miko shrine maidens

Present at every Shinto shrine, the girls wearing white haori and red hakama, always very busy and quite camera shy, are representing a typical Japanese image.

They are called miko and most of the day they seem to perform only routine tasks, such as receiving visitors or selling omamori and souvenirs. However, in some Shinto ceremonies, miko are also performing sacred dances (kagura dance) and cleansing rituals.