Tokyo's public transit card is the Suica or Pasmo card.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with tips for getting around Tokyo smoothly — free.
Tokyo uses the Suica or Pasmo card. A rechargeable Suica or Pasmo card works across nearly all trains, subways, and buses in Japan, and even at convenience stores — genuinely essential.
You can buy it at ticket machines at any train or subway station.
Usually yes — it's typically faster than buying paper tickets and often cheaper per ride, even for just a couple of days.
In some cities you can tap a contactless card or phone directly, though it's worth checking current signage or the transit authority's site, since not every system supports it yet.