Upvote:1
If you have no real reason for transfer visa you are not eligible. Tourism is not allowed by transit visa, that's incorrect information. Transfer visa requires transfer to different airport. It should be shortest possible transfer, you cannot purchase tickets with long gap if it's possible earlier one for similar price.
You cannot get any japanese visa by mail, that's also totally incorrect. You or your representative have to come in person to japanese consulate assigned to your state http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulate-guide.html
Upvote:2
No need to put in anything in guarantor/invitor field as your purpose of visit is either transit or tourism (allowed on a transit visa), and if you stay overnight all you need is an itinerary and hotel bookings.
If you are in the US, you will likely be able to apply by mail, unless you live very close to a consulate or the DC embassy (e.g. in NYC, LA or Boston or the immediate suburbs). For details on whether you could do it, check the website of the consulate/embassy closest to you.