Changing student visa to a tourist visa without leaving Japan. Is it possible?

So I was just denied trying to do this at the immigration office. But I have read about people successfully doing this. So I wanted to hear if anyone has any advice?
I’m from a visa-waiver country and I am currently on a 6 month student visa. I wanna make it a tourist visa so I can travel with a JR pass.

5 comments
  1. It depends. You need to talk to immigrations and already have a return ticket home and then it could be possible. Basically just show proof that you’ll still be leaving.

  2. I tried to swap a working holiday visa for a tourist visa at the immigration office because ‘people said you can’ and I got told I had 2 days to get out of the country.

    I ran in tears to the English speaking travel agent and the next day was on my way to Taiwan for a 2 night holiday. Came back a tourist.

  3. This “changing to tourist visa at immigration.”
    I’ve heard rumors about it and when I finished my language school 6-7 years ago, that was my plan as well. Was told they don’t do that there.
    Yet, ppl seem to be under the impression that it’s possible.

    So, I honestly need to know. If someone reading this actually has been able to do it? Or is it just a rumor? Like the 3 months unemployed=GTF out rule.

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