The SUICA card is an IC card that can be used throughout Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Its primary function is for transportation but can also be used to make purchases. The card can be used to ride JR lines and have been expanded to cover alot of the subway lines in Tokyo as well. All you do is touch the card to the designated area on the faregate to gain entry to the station. The minimum fare is deducted from the value of the card. As you reach your destination and exit the station, you do the same as you exit. The display will deduct the remaining fare and display the value left on the card. This eliminates the hassle of trying to figure out how much you need to pay for a ticket. They have been working with other companies to make the SUICA operate in other areas that use different IC cards like Pasmo
These cards can be purchased at any station displaying the SUICA symbol. There is a refundable deposit and any remaining amount can be reimbursed minus a small fee. The refunds cannot be made at the machine. The cards can also be recharged at these same machines. At many convenience stores that display the SUICA logo, you can make purchases with the card
Heres the link to the JR East page about SUICA
