Timeline of a work visa

This is basically what happens when you are switching visas in Japan. Well, technically not a work visa, more of a permission slip if you will. As you can see, I managed to get "specialist in humanities/ international services"! Since its laid out so linearly in my passport, I thought I'd share the process.
I hope this visual provides a clearer picture regarding the visa process of Japan, I'll briefly talk through each point.
1. This is the temporary visitor stamp - I had switched to this from a student visa, but since I didn't leave the country, I didn't need to give in my Gaijin card and my Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from two years ago was still valid.
However, if this is your first trip to Japan, go to the local ward office to get your gaijin card (外国人登録証) and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at the immigration office. Doing so will expedite the residence change (work visa) process
2. After filling out the form take all documents to the immigration office. They will ask you to fill out a postcard addressed to yourself. Additional documents includes a copy of your passport, gaijin card, copies of your degrees/qualifications, tax records for the sponsoring company, company registration, company brochures and most importantly your work contract. Along with the application to change your status of residence. If all goes well you go home and wait for the postcard you filled out earlier to arrive.
3. When the postcard arrives, if you are successful, the 4000 yen box will be ticked - this means you must go back to immigration, purchase a 4000 yen stamp from family mart and proceed to counter A. Once there, hand in the postcard along with your passport. They will give you a number and you wait for them to attach the sticker.
When they call your number, your passport is returned with a new status of residence!
4. After that is done, if you plan on traveling, I highly recommend getting the multiple re-entry permit. It will cost you an additional 6000 yen and like before, purchase a 6000 yen stamp to hand in with your application.

(*Update* As of 2013, re-entry visas are no longer necessary, as what was previously the 外国人登録証 (Gaikokujin Rouroku-shou/foreigner registration card) now doubles as your visa. It is also now called the 在留カード (zairyuu ka-do/residence card.)
The new residence cards are now also the responsibility of the immigration bureau, so you no longer need to go to the local ward office to apply for one.

Good Luck!