No Cash? Can I Use Credit Cards or Suica at Japanese Coin Laundries?
Japan is Still Largely a “Cash” Society
You might be used to tapping your credit card for everything back home, but when it comes to coin laundries in Japan, cash is still king.
However, things are slowly changing. Here is the current situation regarding payments.
1. The Standard: 100-Yen Coins
Usually, about 80% to 90% of coin laundries in Japan only accept 100-yen coins. If you plan to do laundry, save your coins!
- Change Machines: Most shops have a change machine (両替機 – ryōgaeki) that can break a 1,000-yen bill into ten 100-yen coins. Note that they usually do not accept 5,000 or 10,000-yen bills.
2. The New Wave: Cashless Payments
Newer, larger, or chain laundries in big cities (like Tokyo or Osaka) are starting to introduce cashless options.
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Very convenient for tourists. Look for the IC card reader on the main payment kiosk.
- Credit Cards / QR Codes: Some advanced machines accept Visa/Mastercard or apps like PayPay, but these are still relatively rare.
How to Find Them
If you absolutely need to use a card, look for large, modern-looking chains. Small, older neighborhood shops will almost certainly be cash-only. Always keep some 1,000-yen bills handy just in case!
