I am going to Japan.  How much money should I bring?

Actually lots of it!  Japan is among one of the costliest countries and Tokyo/Osaka consistently rank as among the costliest cities.  All the way from a cab ride to a cup of coffee can be way too expensive (unless of course you are used to buying your coffee at Starbucks!).  Exactly how much to bring would depend on the number of days you will be there, whether you would stay in a hotel or have a place to stay, how often you would need to eat out, how often would you travel, etc.  (Related:  Japanese wife)

If you are going to travel in Japan, contact the local Japan travel office to see if you can buy discount passes for travel on the trains.  As a tourist in Japan, consider eating in fast-food restaurants since the prices are fairly comparable to other countries.  Avoid cabs and use public transport as much as possible – Japan has one of the best public transport systems in the world.

Do your research before you leave.  Find out ahead of time the fees you might have to pay to visit museums or historical sites.  Japanese businesses do not typically accept credit cards and even less so the ones not issued inside Japan.  It is a fairly safe country so bringing cash is OK.  You can change into Japanese currency at the airport or you can bring traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged into Japanese currency at most banks.

My wife wants Japanese green onions and cucumbers, where can I buy these?  Can I grow them in the US if I bring seeds back?

Depending on what part of the US you live in, you might be able to find some Japanese grocery items in a local Japanese store.  A trip to China Town is also helpful.  We do not recommend growing Japanese vegetables in your garden unless you can reproduce the Japanese environment and are willing to put extra hours in your garden.

My wife will no eat sushi made by a non-Japanese.  Is she the only one?  

Sushi-chefs in Japan are considered to be artists.  They go to school for years and then they practice for years under a master.  They are highly respected professionals.  That is why sushi meals in Japan are very expensive.

In recent years, however, sushi has become popular outside Japan and many untrained chefs have taken to preparing sushi.  For the casual sushi customer, the difference is not apparent.  However, for a Japanese, the difference is obvious.  Thus, many of them will simply not eat sushi not made by a properly trained chef.

My wife is having trouble buying size 0 clothes.  Where can she shop?

This problem has been somewhat addressed with the emergence of online stores in Japan that will ship to most countries.  Since your wife probably reads Japanese, ask her to buy online.  For those who prefer to buy in the mall, it is best to shop in the section for teenagers.  While it might be embarrassing, but that is the only section where they can find clothes that actually fit them.  

Where can I find a bathroom scale or thermometers or other devices that display metric numbers?

In the US, this is a big problem.  However, if you can order online at websites located in Canada, you should be able to find almost anything in metric system.  Normally, shipping costs are minimal.

Where can I get original Japanese TV programs, movies, books, magazines, etc.?

With satellite television easily available and either cheaper or comparable to cable TV, it is best to switch to satellite TV to receive Japanese channels directly.  Recording TV programs and selling them is generally illegal unless done by the TV channel itself.  You may be violating the law if you buy such programs from an individual or a small company.

What type of visa should I get in order to get married to a Japanese?

It is best to consult an immigration lawyer for this purpose since each case is different. 

How much money do I need to make to sponsor my fiancée?

This provision exists in the law to make sure that a US citizen is able to support his wife.  The requirements are actually very simple.  If your income is somewhat more than the federal poverty guidelines for your area, you are probably OK.  So unless you live in poverty, there is no need to worry.  If you do, it is best to discuss the issue with an attorney.  You will be expected to document your income and produce tax returns. (Related article:  How to hire an attorney?)

What should I expect at her/our interview with BCIS?

To avoid fraudulent marriages, BCIS meets with the candidate for green card and the couple.  The goal is to make sure that you are a genuine couple.  If you are a genuine couple, there is no reason to worry at all and no preparation is actually needed for the interview since the officers are only trying to find out if there are any inconsistencies in the information provided and if you are truly committed to get married.  (Related article:  Adjustment of status passport stamping)