Kamo Shrine
"Saiin" were female relatives of the Japanese emperor (termed "saiō") who served as High Priestesses in Kamo Shrine. "Saiō" also served at Ise Shrine. "Saiin" priestesses usually were elected from royalty. In principle, "Saiin" remained unmarried, but there were exceptions. Some "Saiin" became consorts of the emperor, called "Nyōgo" in Japanese. The "Saiin" order of priestesses existed throughout the Heian and Kamakura periods.