Is it Safe to Leave My Clothes? Laundry Security in Japan
Japan is Safe, But Be Smart
Japan is famous for its low crime rate. You will often see people leave their laundry spinning and go to a convenience store or restaurant for an hour. Is this actually safe?
Generally, YES. Theft of clothes from machines is extremely rare in Japan. Most locals do it without a second thought.
Safety Features to Look For
If you are worried (especially about expensive items), look for these features in modern laundries:
- Automatic Door Lock: The washing machine door locks automatically once the cycle starts and won’t open until it finishes. (Note: Dryers usually do not lock because they can be opened mid-cycle to check dryness).
- “Privacy Mode” Glass: Some machines have a button that turns the clear glass window opaque (cloudy), so no one can see your underwear spinning inside.
- CCTV Cameras: Almost all coin laundries are monitored by 24-hour security cameras.
Conclusion
Feel free to leave while it washes. Just be sure to come back exactly when it finishes!
