[wildchase]

Hey, i've just joined here. Had a look around here for my question, but it didn't seem to be anywhere recent.

I'm going to Japan 1st March for 5 months. My flight is booked, my insurance is sorted. My language course is booked and paid for. Accomodation has to wait awhile, but otherwise. Sorted. Except i'm getting more and more worried about this Visa business. I've called the Japanese consulate twice for advice, and they've been helpful, but they haven't really assured me.

The original plan was to get a study visa, because i am essentially studying in Japan... The problem is, the school I'm with won't give me a certificate of eligibility because i'm not staying for over 6 months. They recommend that I get a tourist visa and reapply for it before my 180 days are up. That, if everthing goes accordingly, is fine with me. But then they say that i shouldn't mention that i'm studying when i arrive at customs... This kind of scares me... i don't want to be lying to customs.

Would saying that I'm in Japan for studying on a tourist visa void my trip?
What should i expect from customs when I arrive and apply for a tourist visa?
How easy, how long and where should i reapply for this visa?

Thank you!