There’s definitely something special about old Tokyo laundrettes. Their soapy smell is certainly a factor, but more than that it’s their wonderfully dated signs and retro details. Elements that hark back to a different time. An era that nowadays at least seems simpler and slower, making it easy to imagine the conversations that were had in such spaces. Also the books read rather than screens scrolled.
All of which is more than likely a rather romanticised ideal, but either way, these old and surprisingly resilient businesses are almost always interesting, so this is a selection from over the years, with all of them taken in Tokyo except the last one. A lovely little place that I simply couldn’t leave out.
Steve says
Great selection. Those socks! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot, and yeah, they were quite something.
Richard says
The vending machines, the yellow wallpaper, and the photo of the dog!! All very vintage and reminiscent of ‘the good old days.’
Thank you!!
Lee says
Absolutely my pleasure. Always enjoy seeing and photographing these. So much to like.
cdilla says
A great collection and perspective. I’ve seen some slick laundrys which are spotless and app controlled, and some real dodgy ones, like that one in Osaka we came across with you, Lee, and seemed to have some kind of beef stew in it. But it is those between that shed light on the community. People drying washing when it is raining. Late night hosts/hostesses doing their washing at 3am, old folk in PJ’s using them. And all happy to leave their gear unattended while they go do other stuff. Although I wonder what that “Wanted Poster” is all about?
Lee says
Thank you, and yes, a real variety of places to be found. No shortage of surprises either. Totally agree about the community elements too. They say and hint of so much.
Gosha says
I found your blog from Derek Wessman’s. I am also a big fan of these coin laundries! The photos are lovely — especially the one on the street angle, with a bright red sign, little bench, and coke vending machine next to it. The scene is perfect, it could really be an illustration. Thank you for this post, going to follow on RSS.
Lee says
You are very welcome and thanks a lot. Glad you found me and like the photos. I’m with you on the red place as well. A real stunner.
Damien says
Wonderful. Love the image with the book-wielding guy in comfortable clothes and rubber loafers mooching past, possibly on his day off. Coin laundries often have a couple of super-sized machines on offer that can accommodate futon doonas or several sets of sheets – handy even for those with a washing machine at home, to quickly get the linen cupboard back in order after a batch of rellies have stormed through one’s place during Obon, Golden Week or the New Year holidays.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. And yeah, they do serve way more people than just those without machines at home, meaning they are thankfully not disappearing any time soon.
Jen in NZ says
I love this series. The red one is definitely my favourite, it looks in good nick and hopefully gets used lots. Is it still like this? Love the statues too – is that a tiny Ebisu ( or another of the Shichifukujin, I’m not up on all their names!) on the red bench closest to the camera??
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That red is one is a fave of mine too, but not been past for ages, so not sure if it’s even still there. Do hope so though. No idea about the little statue I’m afraid. My knowledge of such things is minimal at best.