Questions about staying in Japan for over 90 days (specifically Cultural Activities Visa)?

Question:

My fiance and I would like to stay in Japan for about a year (give or take depending on what we can do). We don't want to just vacation, we want to really experience everything over a period of time. Researching this online, I came up with some articles that were a bit of a let down. Please bear with me =)

I came across this site: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listing…

And a working visa isn't really an option since we don't have the experience or schooling that apparently Japan is looking for. So I came across the Cultural Activities Visa. My fiance is an artist with Japanese/Asia inspirations. He also does a lot of bonsai work. What are the qualifications to use this visa for 6 months to a year? Is it feasible? How would someone be able to live in the country if they are there under a visa that says they are working on art for no profit? Would you be allowed to get a job? Rent an apartment?

Also, for me to go, if he *could* use the Cultural Activities visa would I use the Dependent Visa? Would we need to be legally married in the US first?

Any help would be appreciated. I know that becoming a permanent resident is extremely difficult, but we would really love to stay in Japan (even just for 6 months). Thanks for reading this!

Answer:

1) you cannot be on spousal visa unless you are married (fiancee does not cut it)
2) as a US citizen, you can enter Japan on a tour sit visa for 90 days, leave for a day and return again for another 90 days. That should offer you the 6 months you are looking for
3) experience "everything" over a period of time: sad to say but the daily life in a Japanese town/city/hamlet/village/metropolis is no different than the life in a similar size town where you come from. You wake up in the morning, get dressed, go to work, work, go to lunch, return to work, return home, cook dinner (or grab something outside), sleep - rinse and repeat. Difference from your home area is the traffic, the commute, the signs, the food. You can experience that in a few weeks...

You should also know that living in Japan (especially as a short term visitor) will be VERY expensive. Figure at least $200/day (hotel, food, laundry, transportation, etc.) + the cost to get to Japan...