When we were there last fall, Suica is what we used. Super convenient once we got over the confusion of actually buying them. They are like debit cards you can use for train travel as well as at convenience stores and vending machines.
The OP should be here in Japan now. I hope all is well.
I am in fact in Tokyo, and all is in fact well.
Thank you to all who have replied, and I must apologize: I said that I would answer some questions several days ago now, and I never did so. Preparing for the trip and work before I took time off took up a lot of my time.
I have been here five full days, and today (Tuesday June 3rd) is my sixth day in Japan. I do love it very much. I think I mentioned: this is my first trip to Japan ever. It has rained almost every day (except for yesterday!), and at times it has rained quite hard. But that has not (figuratively) dampened my spirits.
I am traveling with one of my good childhood friends: I’ve known him for more than 30 years. Here’s just some very quick trip highlights: we’re staying in Akihabara (I mistakenly said Shibuya earlier). We’ve done Akihabara Electric Town, including lots of video game/pop culture shopping trips. I’ve bought a few long sought-after Super Famicom JRPGs. We’ve seen two Yakult Swallows baseball games, one in Tokyo and one in Yokohama (the Swallows lost both). Checked out Akihabara, Harajuku, Ueno Park, and Shibuya. Done tons of shopping and eaten a ton of great food. Sorry if I’m light on details. We’re going to a Japanese steakhouse this evening.
Here are just some quick impressions: Tokyo is crowded and busy. OK, no surprise there, but it can be close to overwhelming at times. I am also 6’ 6" tall (almost exactly 2m if I haven’t cut my hair in awhile). I have to duck in a lot of places. Trains are packed. But the people, without exception, are incredibly nice and helpful. I have had people go out of their way to help me, who occasionally do not speak English (I do not speak any Japanese).
There is a lot of English signage here, including in menus and everywhere in train stations. And while not everyone speaks English, many people do, and I have not yet found my lack of language skills to be a problem.
Thanks again to everyone who posted. Maybe I have one last request for you all: tomorrow is our last full day in Tokyo. I have had conveyor belt sushi on this trip (very good). Does anyone have a recommendation for a sushi restaurant in Tokyo for tomorrow evening? Midrange in terms of price, please, and one which does not require reservations. I realize I may be asking too late. But if any of the Tokyo residents have a suggestion, I’d be grateful.
I don’t live in Tokyo but my friend recommended
The have an all you can eat menu for quite a reasonable price.
It does require reservations but send me a DM if you want any help with it.