[Giz]

So I'm planning on studying at a language school in Tokyo, hopefully around the October start date and would like some opinions and feedback. I was originally planning on applying from here (Canada), but then decided it might be a better plan to go there on a 90 day tourist visa, so i can sit in on a few classes at a number of schools, and choose the one that seems best for me (mainly because i don't want to be with predominantly Asian students because I will get left behind when it comes to Kanji. So one of my questions is is it an easier process applying for the school and Student Visa from within Tokyo? How long before the start date should i arrive and start my application for the School. I am planning on doing a 1 1/2 year course so I want to be sure that i choose the right school.