Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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Mt. Liamuiga was once known as "Mt. Misery," but the name turned off visitors (go figure). A climb up this dormant (but not extinct) volcano does deal a little misery, but the reward is a walk through a dense rainforest on its upper reaches. The mountain dominates the surrounding sugarcane fields and can be seen from anywhere on St. Kitts. The trek up Liamuiga's steamy slopes and down into its volcanic crater is special not just for its rainforest flora but also for the occasional glimpse of the green vervet monkeys which populate the island. The climb can be moderate to strenuous depending on the route you choose, but it's always rewarding.