Yes, Apple phones will accept digital IC cards. Androids will not. Go to your Apple wallet and input it there.
That said cash is always handy. Some kiosks for tickets at train stations accept credit cards, but most do not. I’d say most nonchain ramen shops require cash as well. If you get a physical IC card, it’s easiest to recharge with cash.
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I got a Suica virtual card for my iPhone. So easy to use and replenish funds on the fly. As others have said, cash is needed. I went to an ATM after landing at Haneda. My credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. The ATM had a usage fee for withdrawals, but it was only 200 yen.
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Used iWallet, Suica virtual card and credit cards in all of 3 weeks travel from Sapporo to Kyoto back in May. Once went to a 7-11 to withdraw local currency, but can’t recall where we used them at. Oh, unless you’ll need thousands of $ worth of yen, the exchange rates in ATM machines at convenience stores is simple to operate and the exchange rate is fair enough. Plus,the safety and convenience of not needing to lug around loads of cash. If you have Schwab bank card, all ATM transaction fees are returned to you.
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