Laundry Options in Japan for Travelers

The quick overview

You’ll find three reliable choices across the country: hotel self-service machines, neighborhood coin laundromats, and paid wash-and-fold. Plan on one laundry session every 4–5 days to keep luggage light.

Best options for most trips

1) Hotel self-service (coin laundry)
Common in business and mid-range hotels.

• Typical cost: wash ¥300–¥400 per load (4–7 kg); dry ¥100 per 10–15 minutes

• Detergent: often auto-dispensed; if not, reception usually sells single-use packets (¥50–¥100)

• Pros: safe, on site, convenient late at night

• Cons: few machines; evenings (about 8–11 pm) are busy

2) Coin laundromats
Spread across residential areas and near stations; many run 24 hours.

• Typical cost: small washer ¥300–¥500; large washer ¥600–¥900; wash-and-dry course ¥600–¥1,000; dryers ¥100 per 10 minutes

• Payment: coins everywhere; some shops also accept cashless payment

• Pros: big drums, fast gas dryers

• Cons: minor detour from sightseeing; unmanned late at night

3) Wash-and-fold (staffed)
Good if your time is tight.

• Pricing: often by weight—roughly ¥500–¥900 per kg with a minimum charge

• Turnaround: same-day or next-day, depending on drop-off time

• Confirm: price per kg, pick-up time, and payment method

What to check on Google Maps (before you go)

Search “coin laundry.” Then open a few candidates and review:

• Opening hours: Look for 24-hour access or last-wash notes.

• Recent photos: Check machine count, price boards, and whether detergent is auto-dispensed.

• Reviews (sort by newest): Cleanliness, machine availability, dryer strength, and payment options.

• Busy-times chart: Aim for early morning or mid-day to avoid waits.

• Amenities: Folding tables, baskets, seating, air-conditioning, and a change machine. If there’s no change machine, bring coins.

• Location: Street-level, well-lit access is best for late visits.

How to use a laundromat (simple steps)

1. Choose drum size
   Leave space to tumble; large drums clean and dry mixed loads better.

2. Detergent
   If the panel says 洗剤自動投入 (auto-detergent), don’t add any. If not, add your own; fabric softener is optional (柔軟剤).

3. Pick a course
   Common buttons: 洗濯 (wash) / 乾燥 (dry) / 洗濯乾燥 (wash & dry) / 標準 (standard) / お急ぎ (quick) / すすぎ (rinse) / 脱水 (spin) / 低・中・高温 (low/med/high heat).

4. Pay and start
   Press スタート (start). Doors lock; a timer usually shows remaining time.

5. Drying
   Gas dryers are efficient but often need 20–40 minutes. Use medium or high heat for towels/jeans; low for synthetics.

6. After use
   Empty the lint filter and wipe the door gasket. Return baskets neatly.

Timing and cost expectations

• Hotel washers: 30–40 minutes to wash; 20–40 minutes to dry

• Laundromat wash-and-dry course: typically 60–90 minutes total

• Plan a budget per full load: ¥500–¥900 in hotels; ¥700–¥1,200 in laundromats (depends on drum size and drying time)
  Carry at least eight ¥100 coins per session in case the change machine is out of service.

Etiquette and safety

• Move your items promptly when the cycle ends. If someone else’s load is finished and blocking a machine, place it in a basket without handling small garments directly.

• Keep the area tidy—clear lint and wipe any spills.

• Unmanned shops have security cameras but little staff presence; keep valuables with you, especially late at night.

Drying quickly without a dryer

• Run hotel A/C on Dry/Dehumidify and hang items where air flows—near the vent or in front of the unit.

• Bathrooms often have a towel bar or a retractable line; hang there and leave the door slightly open for airflow.

• If you use a laundromat, a 10–15-minute pre-dry in the gas dryer speeds up in-room hanging later.

• Avoid dripping on floors; use the bathroom area for wet items.

What to pack (updated)

• Travel clothesline (elastic/braided) that works between fixtures without pegs

• Folding hangers (6–8) for shirts and pants

• Mini clip rack / peg hanger for socks and underwear

• Clothespins plus a couple of S-hooks or lightweight suction hooks

• Quick-dry clothing: 2–3 polyester or merino T-shirts, 3–4 pairs quick-dry underwear, 2–3 pairs quick-dry socks

• Microfiber travel towel to roll-dry clothes before hanging

• Small roll of ¥100 coins for machines without cashless payment

• Optional: mesh laundry bags to protect delicates and keep socks together

When wash-and-fold is worth it

If sightseeing time matters more than money, drop a 5–7 kg bag in the morning and collect in the evening. Label pockets clearly, remove fragile items, and keep the claim ticket. It’s especially helpful during long rain spells when laundromats get busy.

Troubleshooting

• Weak hotel dryers: Split the load or finish with in-room hanging and A/C on Dry.

• Fragrance sensitivity: Choose machines without auto-detergent when possible, or run an extra rinse (すすぎ).

• All machines taken: Walk two blocks—another laundromat is often nearby.

• Coins only, no change machine: Ask a nearby convenience store to break a bill when you buy a small item.

Summary

Use hotel machines first for convenience; if they’re busy or too small, choose a nearby coin laundromat with clear photos, recent reviews, posted prices, and a safe, well-lit location. Aim for early morning or mid-day, carry coins, and favor larger drums and gas dryers to finish in under 90 minutes. Pack a travel clothesline, folding hangers, a clip rack, and quick-dry clothing so you can always finish drying in your room.

Note: Prices and features vary by neighborhood and operator. If any figure is critical to your plans, please double-check locally or with your hotel.