Over the last few years, there has been a shift in Tokyo towards laundrettes that are nice places to while away a bit of time rather than somewhere to simply do some washing. Many now incorporate cafes, come with free wifi, and even have comfy sofas as well as more conventional seating areas.
The one below, however, remains resolutely old school, with no concessions to the current times, let alone current trends.
Carl says
The guy is even reading a newspaper! 😉
Lee says
Yeah, old school all the way!
Coli says
What an interesting find. The coin lockers on both walls are what really got me looking at this picture. So many in comparison to the visible washing units. A sign of how it must’ve been much a busier establishment?
Lee says
It has fascinated me for years. The scissor gates for me being the main attraction. Always been intrigued by them on old lifts, but never seen any in use like this.
As for the lockers, it’s in Sanya (https://www.tokyotimes.org/sanya-tokyos-poorest-neighbourhood-in-pictures), Tokyo’s poorest neighbourhood., so presumably that’s why there are so many. It was a hub for day labourers back in the day, although age has caught up wth most of the people who live/stay there, so not much call for them, or indeed the lockers…
Richard says
I have not noticed these in my trips to Tokyo over the years. This one looks like the of place one would see in the US circa the 1970’s. But there are still some like this one in less affluent neighborhoods nowadays. Thanks!
Lee says
There’s definitely no shortage of laundrettes, but not so many as old as this. Some still have showers too, which I always find surprising
cdilla says
Great photograph. So clear and sharp. The layers of age show on every surface.
I suppose the old tiny apartments that have no room for bathrooms or wash rooms kept places like this and the onsens flourishing. I also read that laundrettes are popular in wet weather as places to dry your washing.
There used to be a similarly sized laundy near me (UK) with a single chipped formica table, worn lino flooring and much repaired seats. Looks like it’s an indian takeaway now.
Lee says
Cheers. It all lends itself so nicely to a photo. Such a small place but so many little details.
Yes, that’s right. Hence I think the nicer places that have sprung up. Presumably more chance of attracting less regular customers. We’ve had to use one quite a few times the last few rainy seasons in particular.
From laundrette to Indian takeaway. That’s quite a change eh?