 The role of the Saiō was to serve as High Priestess at Ise Shrine on behalf of the Emperor, to represent the role first set out by Yamatohime-no-mikoto.Three rituals a year were conducted at the Shrine in which the Saiō prayed for peace and protection.In June and November each year, she journeyed to the Shrine to perform the Tsukinamisai Festival.