[Sangetsu]

I know a few street performers, but they all have regular jobs, they play mainly for fun, and not the small amount of money which people sometimes leave them. Without regular employment you won't be able to get an apartment, and even cheap hotels are expensive. You might find someone who will let you stay with them, but such arrangements are hard to make in advance of your coming to Japan. And don't forget that to get even a tourist visa immigration is going to require a valid address for your hotel or apartment on your entry forms.

Once you get set up and start playing you'll have to be aware that the police may come along and chase you away at any time. And in the places where there is the most money to be made (in front of stations, etc.) you'll probably find that there are already other performers there whom you will have to compete with. It's not an easy life, so you'd better have a real source of income available to you before you try it.