mountain peak, mountain pass, climax, crest, (kokuji)
峠 centers on the highest or most critical point of a path through mountains: a mountain pass or peak, and by extension the climax or crest of any journey or effort.
峠 is a Japanese kokuji (国字) created by combining 山 (mountain) with 上 (up) and 下 (down) to represent the point where a mountain path transitions from ascent to descent: a pass or peak.
The left side is 山 (mountain). The right side stacks 上 (up) over 下 (down), showing the exact moment you go up and then down a mountain: the peak or pass.
For とうげ, imagine reaching the mountain pass and seeing a toe-shaped gate: toe-gate -> とうげ. The toe marks the crest where you start going down.
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(mountain) pass; highest point on a mountain road; ridge
The Sword of Doom (1966 film)
Usui Pass
to pass the peak (of something); to get through the most difficult part; to be over the worst (e.g. an illness)
to pass the peak (of something); to get through the most difficult part; to be over the worst (e.g. an illness)
mountain-pass street race
crossing a mountain pass
road over a mountain pass
to wait for a good opportunity; to come down on the right side of the fence; to see which way the cat jumps; to wait and see at Horagatoge