Neo-Shintoism, also known as "Shinto thought" or "Shinto philosophy," is a modern interpretation of Shinto that emerged in the late 19th century in Japan. It is a philosophical approach to Shinto that focuses on the spiritual and ethical aspects of the religion, rather than the traditional rituals and practices.

In Neo-Shintoism, there is no established hierarchy or priesthood. This is because Neo-Shintoism rejects the idea of a centralized religious authority and emphasizes individual spiritual growth and connection with nature. Instead, it encourages individuals to develop their own personal understanding and relationship with the divine.

One of the key principles of Neo-Shintoism is the concept of "kokoro," which refers to the heart, mind, and spirit. It is believed that each individual has their own unique kokoro, and therefore, their own unique spiritual path. This idea of individual autonomy and self-discovery is in contrast to traditional Shinto, which has a more hierarchical structure with priests and shrines acting as intermediaries between humans and the divine.

However, while there is no formal hierarchy or priesthood in Neo-Shintoism, there are still individuals who hold leadership roles within the community. These leaders, known as "sensei" or "teachers," are respected for their knowledge and understanding of Shinto philosophy. They may lead study groups or offer guidance to those seeking to deepen their understanding of the religion.

Additionally, some Neo-Shintoists may choose to visit shrines and participate in traditional rituals, but they do so as individuals rather than members of a religious institution. They may also incorporate elements of other religions or philosophies into their practice, such as Buddhism or Confucianism.

Overall, Neo-Shintoism does not have a strict hierarchy or priesthood, but rather values individual spiritual growth and personal interpretation of the religion. This allows for a more fluid and diverse understanding of Shinto, which continues to evolve and adapt to modern times.