How to use Japanese coin laundry machines?

Coin laundries can be a bit difficult to operate if it is your first time, but when you try it once it’ll be easy as that!
Before you go to the coin laundry shop get yourself some detergent bring some money. Best choice is to bring your money in 100 yen coins in case the shop doesn’t have a coin exchanging machine.
When you arrive at the shop try to figure which ones are the washing machine is and which ones are the dryers. The dryers usually have see through door. Usually there are two types of machines, a 4.5 kg that will run for 35 minutes and cost you about 200 yen, the other one has a 7 kg capacity that runs for 40 minutes and cost 300 yen.
Now, just put in your clothes and detergent and then you can insert the coins and press start.
After your laundry is done you might want to make use of a dryer. The dryers run a bit differently, 100 yen will give you 10 minutes of drying time. You can also select the temperature from low to high. I personally always press the high button and let it run for 30 minutes. Then you’re finally done!

The coin laundry probably offers some place to sit and some magazines if you feel more comfortable staying. But, I’ve found now problem leaving my laundry when it’s washing or drying. Remember though, it is at own risk if you want to leave and come back.

Hope this was helpful!