Many Japanese apartments — especially older or smaller ones — either lack a washing machine or have tiny units that can’t handle large items. Coin laundry (コインランドリー) is a normal part of daily life in Japan, and the facilities are clean, modern, and easy to use.
Types of Machines
Washer-Dryer Combo (洗濯乾燥機)
- Wash and dry in one cycle
- Most convenient option
- Cost: ¥600–1,200 for a full wash+dry cycle depending on drum size
Washing Machine Only (洗濯機)
- Cheaper wash cycle only
- You’ll need to use a separate dryer or hang clothes at home
- Cost: ¥200–400 per wash
Dryer Only (乾燥機)
- For items washed at home that need machine drying
- Very useful for duvets, futons, and heavy items that take days to air dry
- Cost: ¥100 per 10–12 minutes
Large-Capacity Machine (大型)
- For duvets, blankets, curtains, sleeping bags
- 10kg–25kg capacity
- Cost: ¥1,000–2,500 depending on size and cycle time
How to Use the Machines
- Choose a machine — check it’s empty and the drum is clean
- Load your laundry — don’t overfill (fill to 70–80%)
- Select your cycle — standard wash is fine for most items
- Insert coins — most machines accept ¥100 coins; some newer ones accept IC cards or QR code payment
- Add detergent — many machines dispense detergent automatically (included in price), or have a slot for your own
- Start the machine — it will display the remaining time
Cycle time: Typically 30–40 minutes for washing, 40–60 minutes for drying.
Costs Summary
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wash only (small load) | ¥200–400 |
| Wash + dry (standard) | ¥600–1,000 |
| Dryer only (per 10 min) | ¥100 |
| Large duvet wash + dry | ¥1,200–2,500 |
Finding a Coin Laundry Near You
- Google Maps — search “コインランドリー” near your address
- Coin Laundry Map (コインランドリーマップ) app — shows machines by location and size
- Most neighborhoods have one within a 5-minute walk
Hours: Many are 24 hours. Check the sign on the door.
Tips
Best times to go:
- Early morning (6–9am) or late evening (8pm+) — less busy
- Avoid weekends and Monday mornings (post-weekend rush)
Duvet cleaning:
- Japanese futons and duvets cannot typically be washed at home — coin laundry is the standard solution
- Use the large-capacity machine (20–25kg) with the sanitizing/deodorizing cycle
- Once every 1–3 months is sufficient
Rainy season (梅雨, June–July):
- Coin laundry becomes essential during Japan’s rainy season when nothing dries at home
- Expect queues at busy facilities during extended rain
IC card payment:
- Newer machines accept Suica/PASMO/nanaco — check the machine before loading
- Keeps you from scrambling for ¥100 coins
Do You Need Your Own Washing Machine?
Many Japanese apartments come with a washing machine space and some have machines included. If yours doesn’t:
- Buying a basic washing machine: ¥20,000–40,000 new; ¥5,000–15,000 second-hand on Mercari or Jimoty
- If you’ll be in Japan less than 1 year, coin laundry + occasional duvet cleaning may be more practical than buying a machine