While there is plenty of excitement about moving to Japan, you will eventually need to do your laundry. Now it may seem that the ordinary, often mundane, routines of everyday life in your home country, but do you know what all the buttons mean on the laundry machine? Suddenly, things got a lot more complicated.
Worry not! Most washing machines in Japan just need a push of a button or two, and like magic, your clothes spin through cycles until you need to take them out. But if you are still wondering about how to actually use a washer in Japan, keep on reading to discover what the different functions on the washing machine mean and how to use them!
Want to be more familiar with the Japanese writing systems? Read our blog breaking down Japanese writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Different Types of Japanese Washing Machines
There are a variety of washing machines in Japan, but the most common type that people own at home is the top-loading machine. Front-loading (drum-type washing machines) are also common but are usually more expensive. Lastly, there are coin laundry machines, which are often very large drum-type washing machines. Below is a description of each:
1. 縦型洗濯機 (Tategatasentakuki): Top-Loading Washing Machine
The most common personal washing machine found in Japanese homes. They tend to be cheaper but use more water. The controls are the most straightforward and might have fewer features compared to other washing machines.
Most machines do include a “spin-drying” cycle, which removes most of the excess water but does not completely dry the clothes, resulting in the clothes remaining damp after the cycle completes.
Some machines do have a complete drying function, usually “tumble drying”, but if they don’t, you would need to hand the clothes to air dry. It’s common for most Japanese homes to hang clothes outside to dry.
2. ドラム式 (Doramu Shiki): Drum-type Washing Machines
These washing machines are considered more modern, advanced, and energy-efficient. They use less water than top-loading machines and can handle more delicate clothes. They also often have built-in dryer functions, called 全自動洗濯乾燥 (zenjidou sentaku kansou), which means washer-dryer functions. These types of washing machines also tend to be more expensive than top-loading models.
Some models come with a separate dryer, but keep in mind, Japanese homes tend to be smaller, so having a separate washer and dryer might not be practical due to space concerns.
3. コインランドリー (Koin Randorii): Coin Laundry Machines
Coin laundries are common in urban areas and are usually conveniently located. You can often find one that is just a few hundred meters away from a hotel or your place of residence. They are usually significantly larger than home units and include separate washing and drying machines. People like to use them to wash large loads like futons or even small mattresses.
The specific features of coin laundry machines vary, but they often give customers options to wash with different temperatures and do delicate washes, and even options depending on what you are washing. Another convenient feature of coin laundries is that you don’t ever need to bring detergent.
| Top-loading Models | Drum-type Models | Coin Laundry Machines |
| Cheap | More expensive | Pay per use (price varies) |
| Uses more water | Energy efficient and uses less water | Very large drum that can fit large loads like futons |
| Often includes “spin drying” features | Features such as delicate cycles and complete drying | Often includes options to vary water temperature and wash different items. |
What do the Controls on Japanese Washing Machines Mean
Most washing machines have similar controls; some will have more features and therefore more buttons to select between the different options. But for now, let’s go over some of the most common controls and buttons that you will likely come across, based on the controls on the washing machine above.
Basic Buttons and Controls on Washing Machine in Japan
Starting with basic buttons, these include controls for turning on/off the washing machine, as well as starting/stopping a wash. These buttons are usually found on the very right.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 電源 | dengen | Power (on/off) |
| 入 | iri | On |
| 切 | kiri | Off |
| スタート / 一時停止 | start / ichiji teishi | Start / Pause |
Core Japanese Washing Machine Functions
These are the core Japanese washing machine functions; usually, each of these operations will be run automatically just by pressing スタート (sutaato) or the start button. But depending on your needs, for example, if your clothes still feel damp, you can press the 乾かす (kawakasu) button to just dry the clothes. The arrows at the very right allow you to customise things such as time or the amount of water. Here is a description of what each button does.
1. 洗 (Arai): Wash
The main washing/agitation cycle. The machine mixes water and detergent and scrubs the clothes. Use when you want to wash items normally or run a wash-only cycle.
2. すすぎ (Susugi): Rinse
This operation rinses detergent out of the clothes. Often repeats 1 – 3 times, depending on machine settings. Use if laundry still feels soapy or if you want to rinse hand-washed items.
3. 脱水 (Dassui): Spin or Spin Dry
This is a high-speed spin that removes water from clothes. Most washing machines, including top-loading models, have this function. Clothes come out damp but not dripping. You can use this option after hand-washing or if you need an extra spin to shorten drying time.
4. 乾かす (Kawakasu): Dry
This operation completely dries clothes, and clothes shouldn’t come out damp. The function uses warm or room-temperature air to dry clothes, depending on the model. It’s very useful if you don’t want to hang clothes outside and prefer to dry clothes more quickly.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 洗い | Arai | Wash |
| すすぎ | Susugi | Rinse |
| 脱水 | Dassui | Spin / Spin Dry |
| 乾かす (or 乾燥) | Kawakasu | Dry |
Did you know drying clothes outside at certain times could be a bad omen in Japan? Find out about why by reading our blog: 20 Unique Japanese Superstitions Explained: Meaning & Origins
Additional Core Buttons on Japanese Washing Machines
These are the buttons found above the core operation buttons. They basically are shortcuts to do necessary operations, such as setting a timer for the wash to start, cleaning the drum (recommended once a month), and washing delicate clothes.
| Japanese | Romaji | English | What It Does / When to Use It |
| 予約 | Yoyaku | Timer | Let’s you set a delayed finish time. Useful for timing laundry to finish when you wake up or return home. |
| 槽クリーン | Sou kuriin | Drum Clean | Cleans the washing drum, removing mold, odors, and detergent buildup. Best used monthly with a drum cleaner. |
| おしゃれ着 | Osharegi | Delicate / Gentle Cycle | A gentle wash mode for delicate or hand-wash items like sweaters, lace, light fabrics, or knitwear. Prevents stretching and damage. |
Washing Modes on Japanese Washing Machines
The washing modes, usually called コース (Course) in Japanese, are controls for specific washing options. You can choose between the options by pressing the コース button. They usually include options such as quick, delicate, or standard washes. Here are the options found on the drum washing machine above:
1. 毛布 (Moufu): Blanket Mode
This setting is specifically designed for washing large, thick items and uses more water and gentler agitation so the blanket doesn’t get damaged or tangled. Some examples include:
- blankets
- comforters
- futon covers
2. 槽洗浄 (Sousenjou): Drum Cleaning
This function cleans the inside drum of the washing machine and usually takes a long time (1 – 3 hours). You can simply press the button alone to clean the machine, or you can also use specialised cleaning powder.
3. 時短 ( Jitan): Time-Saving / Quick Wash
A shorter, faster wash cycle, which is great when you’re in a rush, only have a small lightly used load, or staying in a hotel/Airbnb and need a quick wash.
4. 部屋干し (Heyaboshi): Indoor-Dry Mode
This mode is optimised for clothes that will be dried indoors rather than outside. It’s very useful in humid or rainy seasons, or in apartments without balconies. Below is what the function does:
- spins clothes more thoroughly
- reduces leftover moisture
- helps prevent musty smells
5. 標準 (Hyoujun): Standard / Normal Wash
When in doubt, choose 標準 (hyoujun), or the standard wash option; it’s the safest all-purpose mode that can safely wash most clothes. As the default washing cycle, it is ideal for most everyday laundry, ranging from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, towels, socks, and general clothing overall.
6. おうち流 (Ouchi ryuu): “Home-Style” Wash
This mode mimics gentler, hand-wash-like agitation, similar to how you would wash clothes at home in a basin. It’s typically used for the following:
- delicate clothing
- knitwear
- items labelled “hand wash only”
Not all machines have this button; it’s also common for models such as 手洗い (tearai), which means hand wash or 柔らか (yawaraka), which means soft, for delicate clothes.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| 毛布 | moufu | Blanket |
| 槽洗浄 | sousenjou | Tub washing |
| 時短 | jitan | Time-saving (quick) wash |
| 部屋干し | heya boshi | For clothes that’ll dry indoors |
| 標準 | hyoujun | Standard wash |
| おうち流 | Ouchi ryuu | “Home-style” wash for delicate washes |
For other models, you might come across these button labels:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
| 標準 | hyoujun | Standard wash |
| お急ぎ | oisogi | Quick wash |
| つけおき | tsukeoki | Soak |
| ドライ / 手洗い | dorai / tearai | Delicate / hand-wash |
| 毛布 | moufu | Blanket mode |
| 柔らか | yawaraka | Gentle cycle |
| 洗乾 | senkan | Wash + dry (for drum machines) |
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Washing, Dying, and Sanitization Functions
Found right next to the course selections, these functions are selected by pressing the 運転切替 (unten kirikae) button, which just means to “switch operations. These functions allow you to choose between different washing and drying cycles.
1. 除菌 (Jokkin): Sterilisation / Sanitisation
This function helps kill bacteria on clothing by using hot water, longer soaks, or special agitation, depending on the machine. It’s most useful for:
- baby clothes
- underwear
- towels
- sportswear
- Items that tend to develop odor
2. 消臭 (Shoushuu): Deodorisation
A cycle designed to remove smells from clothing, often using strong rinsing or airflow rather than a full wash. This cycle is most ideal for the following:
- smoky smells
- food odors
- sweat odors
- clothes that sat damp too long
3. 洗濯 (Sentaku): Wash
The most basic function, this option indicates a wash-only cycle without any drying. You can use this function if you plan to air-dry or if you don’t want to heat-dry delicate items.
4. 洗濯乾燥 (Sentaku Kansou): Wash + Dry
A full cycle starting from washing to spinning and then drying. It’s great for doing everything in one step and for those who don’t want to hang clothes, especially during the rainy or humid seasons.
Keep in mind that most machines can only handle drying small loads (usually around half the full capacity of loads for washing). This cycle usually takes 2 – 4 hours, depending on the machine.
5. 洗〜乾 (Sen ~ Kan): Washing to Drying Sequence
This is a shortened form of 洗濯乾燥, so it’s still a full cycle from washing to drying (automatically). The symbol 〜 indicates the process is continuous. Generally, this sequence:
- Uses less energy
- Skips certain washing motions
- Great for lightly soiled items
| Japanese | Romaji | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 除菌 | Jokin | Sterilize / Sanitize |
| 消臭 | Shoushuu | Deodorize |
| 洗濯 | Sentaku | Wash (Laundry) |
| 洗濯乾燥 | Sentaku Kansou | Wash + Dry |
| 洗〜乾 | Sen ~ Kan | Wash to Dry (full course) |
Typical Washing Machine Routine in Japan
Using a washing machine is quite simple, with just a press of a couple of buttons, and the washing machine will automatically go through the full cycle. Outlined below are the basic steps to follow after loading in your clothes:
- Turn on the Washing Machine
Usually, under the label 電源 (dengen), meaning power, you can press 入 (iri) to turn on the machine.
- Add Detergent
Depending on the machine, there is a slot for you to pour in the detergent. Oftentimes, with top-loading models, you just pour in the detergent over the clothes.
- (Can Usually Skip) Select Preferred Course
You can usually skip this step if you just want to do a standard wash. But if you need to do a more specific operation, you can press one of the top buttons, such as おしゃれ着 (osharegi) for delicates.
You can also press コース (koosu), or the course button, to select between the different operations mentioned earlier. To choose either the deodorisation or sanitisation functions, you can press the 運転切替 (unten kiri kae) button.
- Press スタート (Start)
Just push the start button to start the wash. If you don’t customise the operations, it will automatically do a standard full cycle from washing to spin drying, and if the model has it, tumble or complete drying.
- Check the Dampness or Wetness of clothes
Most models include cycles up to spin drying, which should leave clothes a bit damp so you can just hang them out to dry. If they are dripping wet, you select 脱水 (dassui), spin dry, to remove all the excess water.
If your washing machine is like the image above and includes 乾燥 (kawakasu), or drying cycle, you can completely dry your clothes without hanging them. Just know drying is only possible with smaller loads with most models.
Washing machines in Japan can seem overwhelming at first, but all you have to do for a standard wash is turn it on, add detergent, and press start. That’s it! Pretty simple, right? And even doing more complicated washes just requires remembering a little more Japanese.
Conclusion: Washing Machines in Japan are Simple & Easy-to-use
Washing machines in Japan can seem overwhelming at first, but all you have to do for a standard wash is turn it on, add detergent, and press start. That’s it! Pretty simple, right? And even doing more complicated washes just requires remembering a little more Japanese.
It would be helpful, however, to read the instruction manual as well, since it could discuss how to best use it, what could go wrong, or how to make the product last longer. So to gain confidence in reading and speaking Japanese, we highly recommend taking classes with a professional Japanese teacher who can adjust to your specific goals and needs.
Here at Coto Academy, we offer practical lessons tailored specifically for the Japanese you will encounter in the real world. We provide both full-time intensive and more flexible part-time courses, and our teachers work closely with you to help you reach your unique Japanese learning goals! Sign up today by filling out the form below:
FAQ
How do I use a washing machine in Japan?
Using a washing machine is pretty simple; for most models, you just need to turn it on (電源/入), add detergent, and press start (スタート).
How much does a washing machine in Japan cost?
Washing machine prices vary depending on size, brand, and features:
- Small top-load (4–6 kg): ¥25,000 – ¥45,000
- Mid-size top-load (7–8 kg): ¥40,000 – ¥70,000
- Front-load drum washers: ¥80,000 – ¥200,000
- Washer–dryer combos: ¥100,000 – ¥250,000+
Used or secondhand machines from shops like Hard Off or online apps like Mercari can cost as low as ¥10,000–¥20,00
How do I set up a washing machine in Japan?
Most Japanese apartments already come with a 専用防水パン (drain pan) and faucet hookup. Setup usually involves:
- Attach the water hose: connect the inlet hose to the faucet using the provided adapter.
- Connect the drain hose: place the hose securely into the drain opening inside the drain pan.
- Level the machine: adjust the legs so it doesn’t shake during spin cycles.
- Plug it in: most outlets are grounded for appliances.
If you’re unsure, appliance stores in Japan often offer delivery + installation for about ¥3,000–¥5,000.
How do I do a delicate wash in Japan?
Select the おしゃれ着 (おしゃれぎ) or the delicates course to wash clothes that need to be gently washed. For extra protection, pair it with a laundry net (ランドリーネット), which is sold in just about every 100 yen store in Japan.
How do I use a coin washing machine in Japan?
Coin washing machines are made to be simple and intuitive. You just have to load your laundry, insert coins, select your course (i.e. warm/cold water, delicate cycle), and press start to wash. You usually don’t need to bring detergent. Also note that dryers are separate and cheaper, usually costing ¥100 or ¥200 per 30 minutes or so.
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