Using Coin Laundries in Japan
Quick answer
Load one machine, choose wash-only or a wash-dry combined cycle, then pay by coins, IC card, or app. As of July 2026, a wash runs about 300-600 yen and drying about 100 yen per 10 minutes. Most machines add detergent automatically, so bring only coins and a laundry bag.
Is a coin laundry the right choice for me?
A coin laundry, often written coin randori in Japanese, is a self-service shop full of large washers and dryers. You do the work yourself, there is usually no attendant, and it is cheaper than most hotel laundry services. It is a good match for travellers with a bulky load, a family trip, or a long stay.
Use this quick guide to decide where to wash your clothes.
| Option | Best for | Cost (as of July 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coin laundry | Bulky or family loads, long stays | ~300-600 yen wash, ~100 yen/10 min dry | Self-service, open long hours |
| Hotel laundry service | Convenience, few items | Priced per item, often high | Staff handle it; slower |
| In-room hotel machine | A small load, privacy | Sometimes free, sometimes coin-fed | Small drum, limited hours |
| Hand wash in the sink | A few small items only | Free | Slow drying in humid seasons |
If you have more than a couple of items or need drying done fast, a coin laundry is usually the cheapest and quickest option. Many are open from early morning to late at night, and some are open 24 hours.
What machine types will I see, and which do I need?
Coin laundries have a few clear machine types. Reading the labels — often in Japanese with some English — is the main skill you need.
| Machine type | Japanese label (rough) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Washer only | 洗濯機 (sentakuki) | Washes and spin-dries, no heat drying |
| Dryer only | 乾燥機 (kansouki) | Heat-dries an already washed load |
| Wash-and-dry combined | 洗濯乾燥機 (sentaku kansouki) | Runs a full wash then dry in one machine |
Choosing a machine:
- If you just want clean clothes and can air-dry, use a washer only, then take the load home damp.
- If you want dry clothes without waiting for two machines, use a combined wash-and-dry machine. It costs more per cycle but is the simplest for one visit.
- If a load is already washed (for example, spun in a hotel machine), use a dryer only to finish it.
Machines also come in sizes, marked by kilograms (for example, 8 kg, 12 kg, 22 kg). A larger drum costs more but handles bedding, towels, or a whole family’s clothes in one go. Match the machine size to your load, and do not overfill.
How do I pay and start a machine?
The steps are simple once you know the order. Loading first, then paying, is the usual pattern.
Step by step:
- Find a free machine and open the door. A lit or unlocked door usually means it is available.
- Put your laundry in. Do not overfill — clothes need room to move.
- Close the door firmly until it clicks. Many machines will not start if the door is not fully shut.
- Choose the course or cycle if the machine asks (a normal or standard course is fine for most clothes).
- Pay. Insert coins, tap an IC card (Suica, Pasmo), or scan the shop app if the machine shows those options.
- Press start. The door locks and the cycle begins.
Payment methods you may see (as of July 2026):
| Method | Where accepted | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 100-yen coins | Almost everywhere | Keep a small stack ready |
| IC card (Suica, Pasmo) | Newer machines | Tap the marked reader |
| Shop app / QR | Chain laundries | Set up before you go |
| Bill changer | On the wall | Breaks 1,000-yen notes into coins |
If a machine takes only coins and you have none, look for a bill changer (a small unit on the wall) or a nearby convenience store to break a note.
Do I need detergent, and what about settings?
In most Japanese coin laundries, detergent and softener are added automatically by the washer as part of the price. A sticker or small screen will usually say so. This means you can arrive with nothing but coins and your laundry.
If a machine does not auto-dispense, there is normally a small vending unit in the shop selling single-use detergent packs for about 100-200 yen. Add one pack to the drawer or drum as directed.
A few settings notes:
- The standard or normal course suits everyday clothes. There is rarely a need to change it.
- Do not add your own powerful detergent to an auto-dispensing machine, as it can over-suds.
- For a dryer, choosing a longer time dries thick items like jeans and towels; thin clothes need less.
- Check pockets and remove anything loose, as there is no attendant to return lost items quickly.
What does it cost and how long does it take?
Use this reference to budget your time and coins. Figures are typical ranges as of July 2026 and vary by shop and machine size.
| Task | Typical cost (as of July 2026) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Wash only (small-medium) | ~300-500 yen | ~30 minutes |
| Wash only (large drum) | ~500-600 yen | ~30-40 minutes |
| Dryer | ~100 yen per 8-10 minutes | 30-60 minutes total |
| Wash-and-dry combined | ~700-1,200 yen | ~50-90 minutes |
| Bedding or blanket (large machine) | ~1,000-1,500 yen wash-dry | ~60-90 minutes |
Reading the times: a dryer charges by time blocks, so a heavy or thick load costs more because it needs more drying minutes. If you are unsure, start with a shorter time and add coins if the clothes are still damp — most dryers let you add time to a running cycle.
What mistakes should I avoid?
A few common traps catch first-time users. Watching for these saves time and money.
- Overfilling the drum. Packed clothes do not wash or dry well, and the door may not shut.
- Leaving valuables behind. There is no attendant, so carry your phone, wallet, and passport with you.
- Forgetting the finish time. Others wait for machines. Note when your cycle ends and collect promptly.
- Adding your own detergent to an auto-dispensing washer. It can cause excess suds.
- Underestimating drying time. Jeans, towels, and bedding take longer than thin clothes; bring extra coins.
- Assuming card payment. Not every machine takes IC cards or apps, so keep 100-yen coins as a backup.
- Ignoring the shop hours. Some are 24 hours, but others close at night, so check before a late visit.
Being present near the end of your cycle is the single best habit — it frees the machine for others and keeps your clean laundry from sitting unattended.
Quick reference: coin laundry in Japan
| Topic | Detail (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Wash cost | ~300-600 yen per load |
| Dry cost | ~100 yen per 8-10 minutes |
| Wash-and-dry combined | ~700-1,200 yen per cycle |
| Wash time | ~30 minutes |
| Dry time | 30-60 minutes |
| Detergent | Usually added automatically |
| Payment | Coins always; IC card or app on newer machines |
| Attendant | Usually none — carry your valuables |
Prices, machine types, and hours vary by shop and change over time. Check the labels on each machine, and keep some 100-yen coins ready in case card or app payment is not available.
FAQ
How much does a coin laundry cost in Japan?
As of July 2026, a single wash typically costs about 300-600 yen depending on load size, and a dryer costs roughly 100 yen for every 8-10 minutes. A combined wash-and-dry machine often runs 700-1,200 yen for one full cycle. Prices vary by shop and machine size.
Do I need to bring my own detergent?
Usually no. Most coin laundry washers in Japan add detergent and softener automatically as part of the price. A small display or sticker will say so. If a machine does not, a vending unit inside the shop sells single-use detergent packs for around 100-200 yen.
How do I pay at a coin laundry?
Coins are always accepted, so keep 100-yen coins ready. Newer shops also take IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, or a shop app that you scan at the machine. Some have a bill changer on the wall for 1,000-yen notes. There is rarely any staff on site.
How long does a wash and dry take?
As of July 2026, a wash cycle usually takes about 30 minutes, and drying takes 30-60 minutes depending on load and machine power. A combined wash-and-dry machine runs about 50-90 minutes start to finish. Plan for at least an hour if you both wash and dry.
Can I leave and come back while my laundry runs?
Yes, and most people do. There is no attendant, so take valuables with you and note your finish time. Some shops and apps let you check the remaining time on your phone. Try to collect your laundry promptly, as others are waiting for the machine.
What is the difference between a coin laundry and a hotel laundry?
A coin laundry (coin randori) is a self-service shop with large machines, good for bulky loads at low cost. Hotel laundry is either a paid service or in-room machines, more convenient but pricier. For a family's worth of clothes, a coin laundry is usually cheaper and faster.