I went to the コインランドリー most weeks on Saturdays.
Middle-aged lady who worked there would collect coins and take care of loading and unloading clothes.
It was awfully convenient. Without all the noise in the close proximity of one's living space. I don't think anyone in the whole apartment building owned a washing machine.

On days other than Saturdays, when I did have to wait for my stuff, there was always someone to meet. Sometimes there would be a cat, hiding under a parked car. Acquaintances (almost every foreigner was an acquaintance) or even friends stopping by. One friend would use giant pink garbage bags for their laundry - practical.
Once or twice it was thousands of big, green grasshoppers. 'Twas the season.