峠

mountain pass, highest point on a mountain road; peak (of a crisis, trend, etc.)

Kanji 1663

After reading about this famous kokuji, you'll know how to say that you're "over the hump" of a crisis and that a trend has peaked. You'll also understand the significance of mountain passes in Japan, including the military importance they had in the past, the dangers they once posed to travelers, the way they've inspired woodblock artists, and the abundance of hot springs at passes. 

Revision history:

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Replaced the Henshall etymology with the new one.
• p. 5 sidebar: Updated the major definitions of 頂.
• p. 7: I had said that 鈴鹿峠 is between Mie and Nara Prefectures. It's actually between Mie and Shiga Prefectures.
• p. 9: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Oct. 23, 2015: p. 7 sidebar: I had called Hamamatsu a prefecture when in fact it's a city!

Mar. 22, 2013: Originally published.