Im doing this next February. Going skiing in Hokkaido but am going direct to Japan from Australia and then to Thailand so I'm just getting my visa in Oz. I think to do the same in the US is your best option
I'd do as Charlie mentioned. If it's a 77 day trip and you are visiting other countries, no need to screw around with a visa. But definitely take warning about the airline asking for an exit flight in 30 days. That is very possible
I'd just ask one of main guys if the TM30 is enough as it always requires to be resubmitted everytime you re enter the country so the one you have from your previous stay will be null and void