To easily get around in Japan, buying a IC card is a must. iPhone users can download the virtual SUICA on their phone, or you can buy a physical copy at a designated machine in a train station. 

• IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA etc.): ¥500 deposit, rechargeable, usable on trains, buses, and to pay at convenience stores.
• Train fares: ¥170–400 per trip; monthly passes are available. Commute costs to work are often reimbursed by the employer.
• Bikes: Common, often faster than trains. New ¥15,000–30,000, secondhand ¥5,000–10,000. Registration fee: ~¥500.