We’ve had more rain than expected this autumn.
And some of it has been heavy!
So, for those of you travelling on foot, here’s a look at rain gear and a coin laundry where you can dry your shoes.
First up: raincoats. Japan is humid, so people often use umbrellas when it rains. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find raincoats.
They might just be lighter and thinner than the ones you’re used to.
“This thin? Will it really do the job?” you might wonder. But with Japan’s humidity, as we mentioned, lightweight and breathability are important in a raincoat.
But they do keep the rain out. (Note 1)
It can help you on your travels!
So many different raincoat options!
The photo shows examples of rain gear. Products and designs vary by shop and may change.
And then there are umbrellas.
You might not use one much back home, but they’re common in Japan. Convenience stores sell inexpensive clear plastic umbrellas, too.
They may be inexpensive, but they rarely seem to break unless the wind is strong. And they’re light!
If rain looks likely, you might find one useful as an umbrella—and even as a walking stick (!). (Note 2)
You’ll also find waterproofing sprays like this one at 100-yen shops. Spraying your shoes in advance can help repel some water. Test it on a small, hidden area first to check for discolouration. (Note 3)
And if your shoes are wet right through, a shoe dryer at a coin laundry is worth knowing about. (Note 4) The rain-gear shops and coin laundry mentioned here are all within roughly a 10-minute walk of The RYOKAN O. (Note 5) Handy!
Here’s where to find them!
Where to buy umbrellas and raincoats
Convenience stores near the station (7-Eleven) and the station shop
Useful if you’re caught in a sudden shower. Prices vary by product, and limited stock means items may sell out.
What you can find: raincoats and umbrellas.
Luvit Town Nakatsugawa
The DAISO shop on the second floor sells rain gear too. Some items cost more than 100 yen.
Want something you’ll keep using back home? Try shimizuya on the first floor for more substantial options.
What you can find: lightweight plastic ponchos, folding umbrellas, waterproofing spray and more.
A coin laundry for washing and drying shoes
Coin Laundry AM
You’ll find it near Luvit Town, on the same site as Kusuri no Aoki Nakatsugawa Chuo, a drugstore. Kusuri no Aoki sells umbrellas and raincoats too.
Coin Laundry AM and nearby landmarks
North is at the top. Nakatsugawa Station is in the upper left. The RYOKAN O is southeast of the station, with Luvit Town farther southeast. The red pin marks Coin Laundry AM, just east of Luvit Town. Look for the road label “Old Nakasendo” near the top of the map.
Open Coin Laundry AM in Google Maps
Map: Google Maps / Map data ©2026. Captured September 16, 2026.
A coin laundry with a casual feel.
You can dry your shoes here! Drying costs ¥100 for 20 minutes. Washing, in a separate machine, costs ¥200 per cycle. (Note 4)
At the time of the visit, the change machine accepted only ¥1,000 notes. Bring ¥100 coins.
It’s open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Still, a very late laundry trip won’t leave much time to rest after a day of travelling. Why not fit it in while you’re out shopping?
That’s one of the good things about staying in Nakatsugawa-juku, the old post town: these practical stops are close at hand. You’re here on a trip, after all. Let’s enjoy the unexpected, too!
Notes
1. Light, thin fabric is not necessarily breathable. Waterproofing and breathability vary by product. For a long walk, check that your rain gear is suitable for the activity.
2. Do not use an umbrella as a walking stick, put your weight on it, or use it in strong winds.
3. Read the waterproofing spray’s instructions. Wear a mask and use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling the mist or spraying it towards others. Check that it is suitable for your shoes’ material.
4. Shoe washers and dryers are separate machines. Leather shoes, spiked shoes, rain boots and slippers cannot be washed in the shoe washer. Follow the shoe and machine labels when drying, too. Drying time depends on the material and how wet the shoes are; 20 minutes does not guarantee dry shoes.
5. Walking times are estimates from the original report and vary by route and walking speed. Product availability, stock, prices, opening hours, laundry charges and change-machine requirements may change. Check the signs in store when you visit.
Do not push on with a walk in heavy rain. Check current weather and evacuation information, and keep away from swollen rivers and drainage channels.
Written by Nakatsugawa Yuruyuru News
