Originally Posted by
jib71
GETTING AROUND TOKYO
You may find it easier to travel around by purchasing a pre-paid card.
JR Trains, Subways and Buses now all accept the same non-contact cards for payment. The cards carry a 500yen deposit - and they can be charged up with 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 or 10,000yen of credit.
The deposit is returnable - but JR charges about 210yen in admin fees if you have some money remaining on the card. So it is best to completely use up any credit that you have on the card. (And then you will get the full 500 yen returned).
So if you purchase a "SUICA" card at a JR station - it will also work on the subway. And vice versa if you purchase a "PASSMO" card at a subway station. (However, supply of PASSMO cards is currently limited so you may find it easier to buy a SUICA card).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=646228
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suica
Here is something important about Suica that makes my trips to Japan way more convenient:
Have an iPhone? Like an iPhone X or newer?
Add a virtual Suica Card -
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207155
Now dig through your credit cards and make sure you have a card with no foreign transaction fees. Set it up in Apple Pay. Use this card for the default payment method for recharging the Suica. Put a reasonable amount on it to cover your trip from the Airport to the hotel, or more. You can do this at home before you leave for Japan. What does this get you?
You land in Japan with a cash card that uses the local currency, that's the first thing.
You now have a contactless cash/transit card in your phone that you can recharge via credit card, avoiding the need to use cash to recharge a physical Suica card*. You can also do this anywhere, not just at a train station or convenience store. These cards are not only good for public transport, many shops and eateries will take them too as a form of payment (look for the logo). If you drop low on funds (the card can carry up to ¥20000 -about $200- at any one time) you can recharge on the spot. No need to go to foreign exchange (or less of a need to, not everyplace takes Suica).
Another added bonus - install the Suica App (unfortunately all in Japanese) and add an account. Want a seat on the Green Car? Hop in the green car and find an empty seat with a red light over it. Sit down and buy your green card ticket with the app while in the seat and wave your phone at the sensor. It'll turn green, and you can enjoy your trip.
* Read the terms for your credit card. My card, a UA-branded Chase product, considers these transactions as "travel" and not cash advances. Combine this with no foreign transaction fees and a decent exchange rate, it makes getting money for traveling around town a lot less of a hassle.