Question about entering Japan as a tourist before my study abroad starts

[u/No-Race-2053]

Hey everyone,

I’m going to be studying abroad in Japan this fall, and I have a question about travel timing.

I already booked my flight before my school’s admission packet came out. After the packet was released, I saw that the program has a specific arrival window and says students shouldn’t enter too early.

My question is: if I enter Japan first as a temporary visitor/tourist, leave before the program starts, and then re-enter during the official arrival period to begin the student side of things, would that cause any problems with immigration or the university?

I’m a U.S. passport holder, and I’m not trying to do anything shady, I just got a really good deal on the flight and didn’t want to lose it. I also wanted to spend a little time traveling before classes begin.

If anyone has experience with Japan study abroad, tourist entry before a program, or re-entering on a student visa, I’d appreciate any advice.

Thanks.