In September 984, when Emperor Enyu abdicated the throne to Emperor Kazan, Michitaka was conferred Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank) and appointed to attend Imperial Prince Yasuhito (also known as Kanehito) who had become togu (the Crown Prince, also referred to as kotaishi) as Togu Gon no daibu (Provisional Master of the Crown Prince's Quarters).
永観2年（984年）8月、円融天皇が花山天皇に譲位すると、道隆は従三位に叙せられ、東宮（皇太子）となった懐仁親王の春宮権大夫に任じられる。