Paying for public transport in Japan is highly efficient and primarily revolves around the use of IC cards, such as Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca. These are rechargeable "tap-and-go" smart cards that can be used on almost all trains, subways, and buses across the country. You can purchase these at major stations and load them with yen; you simply tap the card on the reader at the ticket gate when entering and exiting, and the correct fare is automatically deducted. For travelers with iPhones or Apple Watches, Suica and Pasmo can also be added directly to the Apple Wallet, allowing for seamless payment without a physical card. For long-distance travel, such as the Shinkansen (bullet train), you usually need to purchase a separate paper ticket or use the "Smart EX" app to link a reservation to your IC card. While cash is still used for buying individual tickets at vending machines, it is much less convenient. Buses often operate on a "pay-as-you-leave" system where you take a small numbered ticket when boarding and pay the corresponding fare shown on a screen at the front when you get off, though IC cards have largely simplified this process in major cities.