Do you see the red and white ribbon in the doorway?
It is to ring the gong (to let Buddha know you are there?)
after you have made your offering and prayer...you can also
see these same "pulls" on the little street shrines where a bell is
attached. The woman in this picture is looking for some
money to put in the box. This picture was taken the week
of Buddha's birthday and there were many people visiting
temples! kyototemple.2 140.jpg