Dreading the idea of hauling massive suitcases across Japan? Here is the secret to traveling with just a carry-on and staying fresh in Kyoto.
When packing for a trip to Japan, the biggest stress is always the luggage. “Do I have enough clothes for two weeks?” “Will my giant suitcase fit on the Shinkansen?” “What if I sweat through my shirts in the humidity?”
Many travelers end up overpacking, only to struggle with heavy bags on crowded trains and endless station stairs. But smart travelers know a secret: You don’t need more clothes; you need a better hotel.
Specifically, booking one of the hotels in Kyoto with laundry facilities—inside your own room—is a game-changer. It allows you to pack light, save money on airline fees, and focus on sightseeing instead of searching for a laundromat.
Here is why Apartment Hotels with in-room washing machines are the ultimate travel hack for Kyoto, and why the brand Minn is the top choice for savvy visitors.
The Quick Verdict: Don’t waste your vacation time sitting in a basement coin laundry. Choose Minn, an apartment hotel where most rooms come with a private washer/dryer, letting you wash clothes while you sleep.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
(Look for the “Washing Machine” icon when booking)
3 Reasons Why In-Room Laundry is Essential in Kyoto
You might think, “I’ll just use the hotel’s coin laundry.” But in reality, shared machines are often full, require coins you don’t have, or are located on a different floor. Having a machine in your room transforms your trip for three reasons:
1. The “Carry-On Only” Freedom
Japan’s train stations are famous for their stairs. Plus, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) now has strict rules about reserving space for oversized luggage.
The Benefit: If you can wash clothes mid-trip, you only need to pack for 3-4 days.
- Mobility: Breeze through stations without dragging a 20kg monster bag.
- Souvenirs: Use the extra space in your bag for matcha treats, sake, and ceramics to take home.
- Savings: Avoid expensive checked baggage fees on flights.
2. Surviving the “Kyoto Sauna” (Summer Humidity)
If you are visiting between June and September, prepare for the humidity. It is intense. You might shower and change clothes twice a day.
The Reality: Without laundry, you end up carrying a bag full of damp, sweaty clothes. The Solution: With a machine in your room, you can throw your sweaty gear in the wash the moment you return to the hotel. Waking up to fresh, clean clothes every morning feels luxurious.
3. Avoiding the “Laundry Waiting Game”
Hotel laundry services in Japan are expensive (often $5–$10 per shirt), and public coin laundromats can be intimidating with Japanese-only buttons.
The Comfort: With a private machine, you don’t have to wait for a stranger to finish their load. You don’t need 100-yen coins. You simply press start, pour a glass of wine, and relax in your room.
Checklist: How to Choose the Right Laundry Hotel
Not all “laundry facilities” are created equal. Before you book, check these three things:
1. Is it In-Room or Shared?
Search results for “Hotels in Kyoto with laundry facilities” often mix up shared basement laundromats and private in-room machines. Always look for “In-room washing machine” or “Private laundry”.
2. What about Drying? (The Magic of the “Bathroom Dryer”)
Some machines are washer/dryer combos (drum type). Others use a uniquely Japanese feature called a “Bathroom Dryer” (Yokushitsu-kanso). You hang your wet clothes in the shower room, press a button on the wall, and the entire room becomes a gentle dryer. It dries jeans and delicate shirts overnight without shrinking them!
3. Detergent?
Check if the hotel provides detergent (often pre-stocked) or if you need to buy a small pack at a convenience store.
Why “Minn” is the Best Apartment Hotel for Long Stays
Source：Minn Official Website
Minn is an Apartment Hotel brand that specifically targets groups and families who want to “live” in Kyoto, not just sleep there. They turn the chore of laundry into a seamless part of your stay.
1. Zero Stress Laundry
Most Minn rooms come equipped with high-quality washing machines. You come back from a rainy day at Arashiyama, throw your clothes in the wash, shower, and by the time you’re done with dinner in your room, your clothes are ready to dry. No waiting, no coins, no stress.
2. Multitask with a Glass of Wine
While the machine is running, you aren’t stuck in a fluorescent-lit basement. Minn suites feature spacious living rooms and kitchens. You can:
- Cook a simple dinner with ingredients from the local supermarket.
- Plan tomorrow’s route on the sofa with your family.
- Enjoy a drink while the machine does the work. It turns “chore time” into “family time.”
3. Perfect for Families with Kids
Kids attract dirt. Whether it’s ice cream spills or mud from the park, parents know the struggle. At Minn, you can wash the kids’ favorite outfits immediately. This is a lifesaver for parents who don’t want to pack 14 different outfits for a toddler.
4. Strategic Locations
Minn hotels (like Minn Nijo-jo and Minn Gion) are located near major sightseeing spots. This means if you get soaked in a sudden downpour, you can quickly pop back to your base, change, start the laundry, and head back out.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
Real Guest Reviews
Here is how in-room laundry changed the trip for these travelers:
“Saved us from overpacking!” (Couple from the UK) “We traveled for 3 weeks with just carry-on bags thanks to the washer in our room at Minn. The bathroom drying system was amazing—everything was bone dry by morning. Highly recommend!”
“A lifesaver for summer travel” (Family of 4) “Kyoto was hotter than we expected. We washed our t-shirts every night. Being able to do it in our own room while the kids slept was so convenient. We will never stay in a regular hotel again.”
What is an “Apartment Hotel”?
Source：Minn Official Website
If you are new to the concept:
- It offers: The living amenities of an apartment (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- It keeps: The standards of a hotel (Cleanliness, Towels, Support).
- It avoids: The unpredictability of private rentals (Airbnb).
Pack Light, Travel Happy
Source：Minn Official Website
Don’t let heavy luggage weigh down your Kyoto adventure. By choosing a hotel that handles the logistics for you, you gain freedom.
Minn offers the perfect setup for travelers who want to travel smart. Note: Rooms with in-room washing machines are highly sought after by long-stay guests. Book early to secure one.
Ready to travel with just a carry-on? Find your room with a washing machine below.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Filter by room type to ensure in-room laundry availability)