Chion-in is a functioning Pure-Land Buddhist temple. Every so often monks ring a bell and chant something. I assume it is “Namu amida butsu,” meaning “I entrust myself to Amida [Buddha]”, since the Pure-Land sect holds that Amida Buddha vowed to rescue all who call on his name to the Pure Land. These school-kids are probably doing the same. I found it interesting that there were a lot of gaijin (foreigners) at the temple, but none of us felt comfortable going any closer than the back wall, since we were obviously tourists in a place of worship.