Japan accepts QR code payments and credit cards but cash is still king in many places. My rule of thumb is to have about 10,000 yen/day/person ($100 USD) for food, transportation and entertainment.

Many places like buses and convenience stores have coin counting machines which will allow certain coins to be used so don’t be shy in lightening your pockets when you can.

If getting low on cash or towards the end of your trip, don’t forget to use up your Suica/Pasmo balance for small items as there is an admin fee if you don’t wish to keep your card.

Even with a JR Pass, having an electronic rail debit card is still handy. They all function the same way but are branded differently depending upon where in Japan you purchased the card. They can be loaded at any airport/train station kiosk and used by all transportation services.

It is a really a stress free way to travel as you don’t need to figure out and buy the correct train fare anymore. They can also be also be used to pay for items at vending machines, convenience stores or anywhere that accepts them.

When using it on a bus, check to see if you have to tap on first to declare your starting zone so it calculates correctly when you get off later.

For more info Suica | JR - East

Credit cards can be used in many places in large cities for restaurants, accomodations and stores. Many smaller restaurants, shrines, temples and certain event admissions may only take cash.

Check at the entrance or online before going to a restaurants if not sure.

Check with the station if they allow credit card tap to pay instead of using a magnetic fare or a rail transit debit card. I have not tried this before when I was there in 2022. I imagine it will work the same way with the credit card ‘remembering’ where you got on and calculating where you got off when you tap out through the exit gates.