History & role
Understand the cultural background of miko traditions and the role carried within shrine life.
03
MIKO KENTEI
About Miko Kentei
The association’s official examination for developing a structured understanding of miko culture through knowledge, conduct, and dance.
OFFICIAL CULTURAL LEARNING
From curiosity
to informed reverence.
Miko Kentei is the official examination offered by the Japan Cultural Heritage Association to develop and assess a structured understanding of miko culture. It connects cultural foundations with conduct, etiquette, and miko dance.
This page provides an overview. Please use the official Miko Kentei website for the latest formal examination information.
WHAT YOU LEARN
Four perspectives for deeper understanding.
The learning reaches beyond outward beauty to the history, beliefs, roles, and prayer that give each form its meaning.
Shinto foundations
Learn the ideas behind worship and ritual to build understanding beyond outward form.
Conduct & etiquette
Explore the meaning of posture, movement, and courtesy, connecting reverence with everyday action.
Miko dance
Engage with the prayer, form, and discipline of miko dance through both knowledge and practice.
THREE LEARNING STAGES
Three stages, from foundation to practice.
The official Miko Kentei website currently presents beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages.
01
FOUNDATION
BeginnerWritten examination
The first stage checks foundational knowledge of miko culture, supported by the official text and question collection.
- Foundations
- Written
02
CONDUCT
IntermediateConduct & etiquette
The second stage brings knowledge into embodied practice. The official website currently describes this as an in-person practical examination.
- Conduct
- In person
03
MIKO DANCE
AdvancedMiko dance examination
The advanced stage focuses on understanding and performing miko dance. The official website currently describes this as an in-person practical examination.
- Miko dance
- In person
This is a summary of the current official guidance. Examination formats and application conditions may change.
TWO CONNECTED PATHS
One path deepens understanding. The other carries it into society.
MIKO KENTEI
Miko Kentei
The official examination for structured learning and assessment of cultural understanding and practice.
AMBASSADOR
Miko Culture Ambassador
An initiative for learning, experiencing, sharing, and building meaningful cultural connections.
Both are related initiatives of the same association, but they have different purposes and participation routes. At present, passing Miko Kentei is not stated as a mandatory application condition for the ambassador program. Formal eligibility will be published when applications open.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Continue through the official learning site.
Use the official Miko Kentei website for the latest methods, requirements, materials, dates, venues, fees, and eligibility information.
EXAMINATIONOfficial Miko Kentei websiteCurrent examination methods, requirements, learning materials, dates, venues, and fees. Japanese-language website.CULTURAL EXPERIENCEMiko cultural experienceAn official experience introducing attire, worship etiquette, and miko dance. Japanese-language website.CONTINUOUS LEARNINGMiko dance lessonsOngoing practice in dance movement, walking, bows, and ritual conduct. Japanese-language website.
www.mikoken.jpOfficial Miko Kentei website operated by the Japan Cultural Heritage Association
APPLICATION 2026
Turn reverence into action.
Could your voice and sensitivity help carry the beauty of Japanese culture forward?
