Whether you’re a tourist staying in a guesthouse or a resident in a compact apartment, at some point you’ll likely need to use a Japanese coin laundry (“coin randorii” / コインランドリー).
Faced with a wall of machines covered in Japanese characters, the simple task of washing your clothes can feel like a complex puzzle.
This guide will demystify the process and turn you into a coin laundry pro.
Step 1: What to Bring
Before you go, make sure you have what you need.
- Lots of 100-yen coins. While some newer machines accept IC cards or larger bills, 100-yen coins are king.
- Detergent (if needed). Many modern machines automatically add detergent and softener, but older ones may not. It’s often sold in small packets from a vending machine inside the laundry.
- A laundry net. To protect your delicate clothes, it’s always a good idea to use a laundry net. You can find these easily at a 100-yen shop.
Step 2: Choose Your Machine
You’ll typically find two types of machines:
- Washer/Dryer Combos (洗濯乾燥機): These machines do everything in one go. They are the most convenient but also the most expensive.
- Separate Washers (洗濯機) and Dryers (乾燥機): The more traditional and budget-friendly option. You wash your clothes in one machine, then transfer them to a separate dryer.
Step 3: Understanding the Buttons (The Important Part!)
Here are the most common Japanese terms you’ll see on the machines.
- 洗濯 (Sentaku): Wash
- 乾燥 (Kansou): Dry
- 洗濯乾燥 (Sentaku-Kansou): Wash & Dry
- 標準 (Hyoujun): Standard Course
- 少量 (Shouryou): Small Load
- 毛布 (Moufu): Blankets (for a course with more water/power)
- コース選択 (Koosu Sentaku): Course Select
- スタート (Sutaato): Start
Many machines also have a “drum cleaning” (ドラム洗浄) button.
It’s good manners to press this for a quick, free rinse of the drum before you put your clothes in.
Step 4: The Process
- Put your laundry in the machine and close the door securely. It will lock automatically.
- Select your desired course.
- Insert the required number of 100-yen coins. The display will show you the price and the estimated time.
- Press the Start (スタート) button.
- Come back when it’s finished!. It’s considered rude to leave your laundry in the machine for a long time after the cycle is complete.
Tip: Take a photo of the machine number and the finish time so you don’t forget!.
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