“Did I leave it in the dryer?” You return to your hotel and realize you are missing a favorite t-shirt. You definitely left it in the dryer drum. Is it gone forever? The “Forgotten Items” Basket Go back to the shop immediately. Most Japanese coin laundries have a specific basket or shelf labeled “忘れ物” (Wasure-mono…
What to Do for 60 Minutes? You are stuck at the laundry for an hour. Can you watch Netflix or get some work done? The Wi-Fi Situation It depends on the shop.Modern Chains (e.g., Baluko, WASH House): Often provide Free Wi-Fi and sometimes even power outlets for charging your phone. They are designed as “Laundry…
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…
Can I Wash at 2 AM? You’ve had a long day of sightseeing and dinner, and you realize at midnight that you need clean clothes for tomorrow. The Reality of “24 Hours” While many modern chain laundries (like “WASH House” or “Mammaciao”) operate 24 hours a day, many independent or neighborhood shops close at night….
Japanese Dryers are HOT Japanese coin laundry dryers are powerful gas-powered machines. They get much hotter than standard electric home dryers. While this is great for killing germs, it is dangerous for your cotton jeans or favorite t-shirt. They can shrink by one or two sizes if you are not careful. How to Control the…
“Wait, where is the Hot Water button?” If you are from the US or Europe, you might be shocked. Most washing machines in Japan—both home units and older coin laundries—only use Cold Water. You might worry: “Can cold water really remove dirt and bacteria?” The Magic of Japanese Detergent The answer is YES. Here is…
Your Smartphone is Your Translator You are standing in front of a high-tech Japanese washing machine. It looks amazing, but every button is labeled in complex Kanji characters. You have no idea which one means “Start” and which one means “Emergency Stop.” Don’t just guess and press random buttons! There is a simple, magical tool…
The Dreaded “Nama-gawaki” Smell You washed your clothes in the hotel sink and hung them to dry. Two days later, they are finally dry, but they smell terrible—like a wet dog or old rags. This is the “Nama-gawaki” (生乾き) smell, caused by bacteria breeding on slow-drying clothes in Japan’s humid air. Don’t worry, you don’t…
Travel Doesn’t Mean Just T-Shirts If you are in Japan for business or a special occasion, you might have delicate items like a suit jacket, a silk blouse, or a wool sweater. When these get dirty, you might wonder: “Can I just throw these in a coin laundry machine?” The short answer is: Usually, NO….
The Challenge of the Airbnb Washer Staying in an Airbnb or rental apartment is great, and they often come with a washing machine for free use. However, these are typically standard Japanese home appliances, designed only for Japanese residents. The control panel will be covered in Kanji characters, and they work differently than commercial coin…
