Japanese Laundry Guide: How to Wash Clothes in Japan

Laundry in Japan has its own quirks — from coin laundries to apartment washer connections. Here's what you need to know.

Laundry Options

In-Apartment Washer

Most Japanese apartments have:

• Washer connection (withdrawal hose)
• Hot water from the bathroom unit
• No dryer (most apartments don't have dryers)

Coin Laundry (コインランドリー)

Available everywhere, open 24/7.

Laundry Delivery

Some services pick up, wash, and deliver.

How Japanese Washers Work

Settings

Temperature

Drying

Option 1: Balcony Drying (Most Common)

Japanese apartments typically have:

• Balcony with clothesline
• Wind + sun drying
• No dryer needed

Tips:

• Hang clothes in the morning
• Bring in before sunset
• Use hangers for shirts, clips for everything else

Option 2: Coin Laundry Dryer

Option 3: Indoor Drying

• Use a drying rack
• Common during rainy season
• Takes 1–2 days

Laundry Tips

1. Wash frequently — clothes dry faster in small loads
2. Separate colors — same as anywhere
3. Use Japanese detergent — formulated for Japanese water
4. Don't overload — machines are smaller than Western ones
5. Check pockets — before washing
6. Bring cash — coin laundry is cash-only
7. Early morning — less crowded at coin laundry
8. Don't forget your laundry — machines don't notify you
9. Rainy season — use coin laundry dryer or indoor rack
10. Futon drying — many coin laundries have futon dryers (¥200–300)

Useful Phrases