Japan is an island country located in East Asia. It is bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east and west, and the East China Sea and Korea to the west. Some key aspects of Japanese culture include removing shoes before entering homes due to beliefs about preventing bad energies, bowing as a sign of respect, traditional clothing like yukatas, and a cuisine centered around white rice along with fish and fermented vegetables. Major festivals in Japan often occur at sacred temples and include the important New Year's celebration where homes are cleaned and debts paid before enjoying meals with family.