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03/30/2026 JPBT Day 8 : Calf and Half

by Brian · Published March 29, 2026 · Updated April 4, 2026

We had a perfect night in the quiet woods and then headed on our esoteric shortcut route. No one would go this way… right? Nope! We see the Swiss couple also going the same way! How is it that they took this random side road also? They were standing in the road taking to a woman who looked like she had just woken up.

It turns out that Niklas and Manuela had been riding up this road when they saw a baby calf in distress. Its eyes were bulging and something seemed wrong. They were so worried that they backtracked and found the nearest home - and knocked on the door. They woke the woman inside and explains about the calf. It turns out that the calf was born last night, unbeknownst to the woman inside! By the time they got back to the pasture, the calf was already up on all 4 legs and nursing! Wow, those cows get right to it; at an age when human babies can’t even hold their head up, this calf was already having breakfast.

The Swiss couple felt silly for having bothered the woman, but she insisted that she was very grateful - and she even asked them, “what is your favorite food in Japan,” and gave them some dried Soba noodles and some tea. She was very happy, and I’m happy to report that everything is good with the baby calf too.

The four of us ascended the mountain together, completely not noticing any difficulty from the ascent, as we were engaged in conversation. Too soon, we were already at the top of the mountain where you could wheel no further, and had to hike to the top.

Unfortunately, the crater rim was closed due to volcanic activity, but there was a second, higher rim from which you could look at the crater from above. I decided to run to the top because we knew rain was coming soon.

The views were good, though i lamented how Janet and I have been thwarted on nearly all of our volcanic ascent attempts. This one was the easiest by comparison.

Today was only a half-day due to the afternoon weather. We decided to treat ourselves to two nights in a “Western Feeling” house. I really liked the traditional Ryokan we stayed at our first night, but we are waiting out rain for 2 nights and decided that having some space and privacy would be a nice way to mix it up. じゃあね

Photos:

We pick similar routes to Manuela and Niklas and have tons to talk about with them. The climb was easy peasy; we didn’t even notice it!

Morning “コーヒー” stop. I’ve been meaning to tell you about Japanese. MANY of the words are imported, you just have to sound them out. What I wrote there was ko-hee (which sounds like coffee, right?). In some ways, Japanese is easier than you think! But in other ways it is harder. More on that in a future post.

Janet and Manuela

The crater from afar.

I ran ahead due to weather worries. We got off the mountain right as the weather picked up.

Running along the rim. My torn meniscus really hurst now, though 😞

It was very windy up top. In spite of that, many slender Japanese were walking the rim! I worried that they might blow away. Some were carrying small packs as big as their torsos. They were unfazed by the incoming weather. As clouds darkened, they continued to ascend. I worried there might be an “in the news” situation here. Maybe they were too nonchalant, or maybe im too much of a worrywart?

View of the other side.

The main room in our house. I’ll try and make a video tour tomorrow.

I got some sake. Usually when we travel, I don’t try many new foods because of my diabetes. But here in Japan I am trying many things because so many of the unique foods are low in carbohydrates, making it easy. I do also make allowances for carbs on big prolonged ascents. Food has been fun here for me. Much better than Africa or Latin America.

Strava Comments:

Ann L.

Dramatic looking views from the top. Glad you have a nice place to hang out in while it rains.

Gregg B.

You guys create the best tales. A newly born calf in remote Japan. 🇯🇵

Deb J.

Luxurious accommodations while you rest up! Looking forward to the tour. I love your “touring strategy “!

Janet W.

Wow, your volcano photos from high up on the rim are super dramatic! I’m glad you jogged up a better view, and didn’t get blown away! Nice to be inside on the couch today!

Mark G.

What Deb said. J and B enjoy the rest - glad to see you've got your feet up. I really liked seeing the Manuela's and Niklas's set up on the bikes.

Nancy T.

I’m following your adventure backwards! So as I read some of what you have written will become clearer.