When staying at a hotel in Japan, do you know how to adjust the air conditioner's temperature for cooling and heating? Are you familiar with how to use the large public bath or coin laundry? This guide will explain everything in detail, from using the TV and air conditioner in your room and the bathroom facilities to hotel amenities like the public bath, coin laundry, ice machine, and vending machines. Even first-time visitors to Japan can stay with confidence!
How to Turn on the TV in a Japanese Hotel with a Remote
In Japanese hotel rooms, pressing the "電源" button on the remote control usually brings up an initial screen displaying hotel information, Wi-Fi passwords, and other details. To watch Japanese terrestrial TV channels, press the button labeled "地デジ" (terrestrial digital). Then, use the channel buttons to select the TV station you want to watch.
Channel numbers for Japanese TV stations vary by region. For example, in Tokyo, NHK General is on Channel 1, Nippon TV is on Channel 4, and TBS is on Channel 6. However, in other cities like Osaka or Nagoya, the channel numbers may be different.
How to Operate a TV Remote in a Japanese Hotel
- 電源: Turn the TV on or off by pressing the power button on the remote or the TV itself.
- 地デジ: Press this button to receive terrestrial digital broadcasts and watch regular Japanese TV channels. It may also be labeled as "地上波" (terrestrial), "地上デジタル" (terrestrial digital), or "TV."
- CH/チャンネル: Use the "+" and "-" or up and down buttons to change the channel. You can also enter the channel number directly.
- 音量: Adjust the speaker volume.
- 番組表: Display or hide the TV program schedule.
- 戻る: Return to the previous screen.
- 終了: Close the current operation.
- VOD: Access the Video-On-Demand (VOD) service menu and select the content you want to watch (some services may require payment).
- Streaming Service Buttons: Some remotes have dedicated buttons for services like Netflix or YouTube. Pressing one of these buttons will take you to the login screen for that service.
Recently, more hotels in Japan offer access to streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. If your remote has a dedicated button for these services, you can press it and log in with your personal account to watch content. However, don't forget to log out before checking out!
How to Adjust the Air Conditioner in a Japanese Hotel
Hotel rooms in Japan typically have one of two types of air conditioners: wall-mounted units, similar to those found in homes, or ceiling-mounted units embedded in the ceiling. Both types operate in the same way.
Choose the appropriate mode based on your needs. In summer, set the air conditioner to "Cooling Mode" with a recommended temperature of 25–26°C. In winter, set it to "Heating Mode," usually between 20–22°C for a comfortable room temperature. If you are sensitive to noise, setting the "Fan Speed" to "Silent" can help. Once you understand what each button does, adjusting the air conditioner and using the remote control is easy.
How to Operate the Air Conditioner
- 電源: Turn the air conditioner on or off (may also be labeled as "運転/停止" (Operation/Stop)).
- 運転モード: Switch between different modes such as "Cooling," "Heating," "Dehumidifying," "Fan," "Dry," or "Auto."
- 温度設定: Adjust the temperature using the up and down buttons.
- 風量調整: Control the airflow speed by selecting "Auto," "Strong," "Medium," "Weak," "Silent," or "Natural Breeze."
- 風向: Adjust the direction of the airflow. The "Swing" function automatically moves the airflow left and right.
- タイマー機能: Allows you to set the air conditioner to turn on or off automatically at a designated time.
Using the timer function allows you to automatically turn off the air conditioner while sleeping. The operation method may vary depending on the model, but generally, the "On Timer" button sets the air conditioner to turn on, while the "Off Timer" button sets it to turn off. Use the "+" and "-" buttons to adjust the timer in 30-minute or 1-hour increments, and the air conditioner will turn on or off automatically after the specified time.
How to Use a Japanese Bath: Understanding the Difference Between the Washing Area and the Bathtub
In Japanese hotels, the most common type of bathroom is the "unit bath," which combines a bathtub, sink, and toilet in one compact space. However, newer hotels are increasingly adopting "separate baths," where the washing area and bathtub are divided, similar to a typical Japanese home bathroom. To fill the bathtub, simply turn on the hot water from the faucet. If you need to adjust the temperature, use the separate hot and cold water taps or the temperature control handle. A separate bath allows you to wash your body in the washing area before entering the bathtub, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a relaxing soak.
How to Use a Separate Bath
1. Wash your body in the washing area, which is the flat space next to the bathtub.
- 2. Get into the bathtub and relax.
- 3. After bathing, drain the water from the bathtub and ventilate the bathroom.
If you're using a public bath (large communal bath), the process is generally the same. However, since you'll be sharing the space with other guests, it's important to be aware of the proper etiquette and rules, which we’ll introduce next.
How to Use a Hotel Public Bath: The Water May Not Always Be from a Hot Spring!
Many Japanese hotels have a public bath where guests can relax and unwind after a long day of traveling. In hot spring areas and resort hotels, these large baths often feature local natural hot spring water, making them especially popular. Most public baths provide amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. However, skincare products like facial cleansers and lotions may not always be available, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
You should also bring the towels and yukata (casual kimono) provided in your hotel room to the public bath. Many hotels allow guests to wear their yukata, pajamas, and slippers not only in their rooms but also when going to the bath. However, some hotels do not allow these outfits in restaurants or shared spaces, so be sure to check the hotel's rules.
Public bathwater generally falls into three categories. In city hotels, the public bath may not always be a hot spring.
- 天然温泉: Water that naturally emerges from underground hot spring sources and is used as is.
- 人工温泉: Water that contains added minerals to replicate the effects of a natural hot spring.
- Non-Hot Spring Bath: Regular heated water that is not from a hot spring (if a bath is not labeled as an "onsen," it falls into this category).
How to Use a Public Bath
- 1. Store Your Shoes or Slippers – Place your shoes in a shoe locker at the entrance. If there is a key tag, attach one part to your shoes and keep the other.
- 2. Secure Your Valuables – Store items like your wallet and phone in a small locker.
- 3. Prepare in the Changing Room – Remove your clothes and place them in a locker or basket along with your bath towel.
- 4. Bring a Face Towel – Carry a small face towel with you to the washing area.
- 5. Wash Thoroughly – Clean your body properly at the washing area before entering the bath.
- 6. Enter the Bathtub – Pour warm water over yourself before slowly getting into the tub.
- 7. After Soaking – Rinse your body with a shower, dry yourself, and return to the changing area.
- 8. Finishing Up – Use a bath towel to dry off, dry your hair with a hairdryer, and apply skincare products as needed.
When using a public bath, proper etiquette includes cleaning yourself before entering the tub, staying quiet, and not letting towels or hair touch the water. Additionally, bath hours are often set separately for morning and night, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
What is an Ice Machine? Enjoy Drinks in Your Room with a Vending Machine Too!
Many hotels have ice machines and vending machines located in hallways or designated areas on guest room floors. There are two main types of ice machines: "cube ice makers," which produce square ice cubes, and "crushed ice makers," which create finely crushed ice, similar to shaved ice. These machines provide a convenient way for guests to enjoy cold drinks in their rooms.
How to Use an Ice Machine
- 1. Bring the ice bucket or container provided in your room.
- 2. Place the container under the ice dispenser.
- 3. If the machine has an option, select the type of ice (キューブアイス、クラッシュアイス etc.).
- 4. Press the start button, and ice will be dispensed into your container.
Vending machines in hotels vary, offering drinks, alcoholic beverages, cup noodles, snacks, chocolates, and other light meals. They are a convenient way for guests to purchase refreshments or late-night snacks without leaving the hotel.
How to Use a Vending Machine
- 1. Press the button for the item you want to purchase.
- 2. Insert cash, tap, or insert a credit card or electronic money (if it doesn't respond, you may need to press a payment method selection button).
- 3. Collect your purchased item from the dispenser at the bottom of the machine.
How to Use the Coin Laundry (Washing Machines & Dryers)
Some hotels are equipped with coin-operated laundry facilities, which are located in a designated laundry room. There are two types of machines: separate washer and dryer units, where you need to transfer your laundry to the dryer after washing, and all-in-one units that handle both washing and drying in a single cycle.
With separate washer and dryer units, you must move your clothes to the dryer after the wash cycle is complete. On the other hand, all-in-one units take longer to operate, so if they are all in use, you may have to wait a while. If the washing machine has an automatic detergent dispenser, you don't need to prepare detergent yourself. However, if detergent is not included, you will need to purchase it from a vending machine in the laundry room, buy it at the hotel front desk, or bring your own.
The time required and the cost vary by hotel, but as a general guideline, washing machines typically cost around ¥200–¥500 per 30-minute cycle, dryers cost around ¥100–¥200 per 30-minute cycle, and detergent costs around ¥50–¥100. While many machines now accept IC cards and electronic payments, it's a good idea to have some ¥100 coins on hand just in case.
How to Use the Coin Laundry (Washing Machine & Dryer)
- 1. Place your laundry into the washing machine.
- 2. Add detergent if needed.
- 3. Make the payment.
- 4. The washing cycle will begin.
For Dryers:
- 5. After washing is complete, transfer your laundry to the dryer.
- 6. Make the payment.
- 7. The drying cycle will begin.
This guide introduces useful hotel facilities and how to use them, helping you have a comfortable stay in Japan.
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