They sweep the shrine, do ceremonial dances, perform music, flank the priest at prayers, freshen the offerings, operate the fortune telling lottery (omikuji), sell votive tablets (ema), and in most modern shrines run the knickknack and good luck charms shop. Historically, they used to be mediums and oracles, alongside the male Geki. They often carry gohei, wooden wands with paper streamers called shide.
