JR Pass on local lines

Hi Daniel-san,

Thanks for all your help so far!

If I want to travel on the JR via the local lines around Tokyo and Kyoto, do I need to do an exchange for a ticket at every station before use or can I just use the pass when entering local subway stations? Will I get an official JR pass to swipe once I make the initial exchange at the airport at the beginning of my trip?

How do the local subway stations work? Is there a card you swipe like a New York City metro card or do pay cash for each ride?

Thanks!