After coming all the way to Japan, a stay of at least a few days is needed to truly enjoy the country’s beauty. However, the longer the stay, the greater the need becomes to do a load of laundry. In this article, we look at Japan’s laundromats, a convenient way to stay fresh and clean during your trip.
Japan has many unattended coin-operated laundries in various locations. Machines often combine washing and drying, and large-capacity drum washers are common. Recently, many laundries accept not only cash but also IC transit cards and QR payments.
Many hotels offer paid laundry services. If you drop off your laundry in the morning, it may be ready by the evening, making it convenient even for short stays. Some business hotels and long-stay accommodations also provide self-service washing machines and dryers.
• Full service: Request at the front desk, finished the next day.
• Self-service: Coin-operated machines often located on guest floors.
For items that cannot be washed in coin laundries, such as suits and coats, using a dry-cleaning shop in town is recommended. Some shops offer next-day or same-day service. Prices and processing time vary depending on the type and material of the clothing.
In many Airbnb accommodations, guesthouses, or weekly rental apartments, washing machines are often installed in the room and are usually free to use. If there is no dryer, you can use a drying rack provided in the room to air-dry your clothes.
Locating a coin laundry in Japan is not very difficult.Japan’s urban areas contain many such facilities, whether at hotels, pools, or hot spring facilities.First, check with your hotel or inn to see if they offer laundry services or shared washing machines. You can also open Google Maps and search for “coin laundry” to find locations near your current location.
At most coin laundromats in Japan, detergent is available onsite.That being said, if none is readily available, it can usually be purchased from a vending machine nearby.However, purchasing laundry detergent in advance at drugstores, convenience stores, or supermarkets is likely to be more economical.Among the variety of brands in Japan, some of the most popular detergents are Ariel, Bold, TOP, NANOX, and Attack.Detergent is also available in different forms, from powders and gel balls, to liquids.For laundromats, gel ball types may be best as they are easier to use.
Small change is necessary to use coin laundry machines so please have some ready in advance.
Change machines may also be found inside coin laundry facilities, but just in case, preparing some in advance is the safest way.
Basically, 100 yen coins are the most common denomination, but some machines also accept 500 yen coins.
Costs vary depending on the store and machine, but usually, 10 kg of laundry (2 days worth for 3 people) can be washed and dried for about 1000 yen.
1: Choose the size of the washing machine to fit your amount of laundry.
Coin-operated laundries in Japan often offer machines in various sizes, so it is important to pick one that matches the amount of clothes you need to wash during your trip.
Small (4–6 kg): Perfect for T-shirts, underwear, socks, and 1–2 days’ worth of clothes.
Medium (7–9 kg): Ideal for 3–5 days’ worth of travel clothes.
Large (10 kg or more): Convenient for winter coats or washing a larger load during longer stays.
2: Fill the washing machine with clothes up to about 70% to 80% of capacity.
3: If the machine automatically adds detergent and fabric softener, just close the lid
(if not, add the detergent yourself and then close the lid).
4: Insert 100 yen coins for the displayed amount.
5: Wait for the duration time displayed on the washing machine.
Washing usually takes about 30–40 minutes, making it easy to stop by even in the middle of your sightseeing. Some machines combine washing and drying, which is great if you want to save time.
Operating instructions for the dryer
1: Choose the size of the dryer (the larger the size, the better the finish)
Choose the dryer according to the type and amount of laundry during your trip.
Small (4–6 kg): Ideal for a small load such as T-shirts and underwear.
Large (10–15 kg): Recommended for thick or bulky items like towels, jeans, and winter clothes.
2: Put clothes in the dryer to about 30% of capacity.
3: First, insert a 100 yen coin for 30 minutes.
4: Check the dryness and add 100 yen coins until you get the desired finish.
Many dryers allow temperature settings. Use “low heat” for delicate fabrics and “high heat” for items like jeans and towels. Always check the care labels on your clothes to avoid shrinkage or damage.
Coin-operated laundry machines are generally used by strangers, so please give some thought for the next user.Sometimes users might leave clothes in the washer or dryer even after the cycle has finished, but please refrain from taking them out for your own convenience.If the laundromat has an attendant, ask them to help if any problem arises.
It is also advisable to bring a mesh laundry bag to the laundromat. Washing delicate clothing or items with accessories such as zippers is safer in such a mesh bag.
Some laundromats have washers and dryers specifically for sneakers. During the heat of summer and also the June rainy season when shoes might easily get dirty, these machines can be particularly useful. Free from worries about dirty footwear, your travels can be more active and fun.
In cases where facilities provide guidance only in Japanese, directions can still be understood through various displayed symbols and marks.
In most coin laundromats, displayed numbers clearly indicate the order in which to press the buttons. Refer to the numbered buttons to operate the machine properly.
However, memorizing certain Japanese words commonly seen at laundromats may help for a smoother, easier experience. Such terms include the power switch labels of “切 / kiru” meaning “OFF” and “入 / ireru” meaning “ON”, and “スタート/ sutāto” meaning “START.”
