Transit Pass/Visa In Narita Japan

In years past I used to fly to Thailand through Narita Japan and usually have a layover of 3 to 8 hours. The first time I had a 36 hour layover (my choice) and found out that it is a great place for a short visit. On later, shorter, layovers I got a transit pass (which I think is a visa based on my onward flight) to leave the immigration controlled area at the airport, jumped on the train in the station in the basement of one of the terminals (trains left every 20 minutes with total dependability) and got off two stops and 15 to 20 minutes later in Narita, which has a huge temple that is a major tourist site. Good fun, and food!

My question: Is there much chance that given the difficulties faced by Thai women to get a visa to Japan, my Thai national spouse with my last name and an onward ticket the same day would be able to get the same pass/visa? She has a US visa and many prior foreign trips. I would appreciate any actual or second hand experiences you might be able to share rather than speculation.