I don’t want to run out of money on my PASMO or Suica card during rush hour! Any way to avoid this?

Yes! You can activate a “sound effect” service. Then, if you have less than ¥1000 on your card, it will beep three times (instead of two) when going through the gate.  If you have a commuter pass, when there are fewer than 15 days remaining, the gate will beep twice (instead of once) so you don’t forget to renew.

To activate sound effects, at a station, ask ticket staff for onsei annai (音声案内).