5 Best VPNs for Japan Can Unblock Netflix and Japanese Shows in 2023

Japan is by far the most technologically advanced country to exist – over 92% of the population relies on the internet for basic needs. The island in East Asia might literally be apart from the rest of the world, yet is more connected.

Unfortunately, though – with all the advancements in Japan, the country still lags behind in terms of providing foreign content and safeguarding user confidentiality.

Yes, services like Netflix, HBO Go, Disney+, and Hulu aren’t easily accessible or have filtered content. If you are a tourist visiting Japan, know that you can’t view the same content from back home and vice-versa. Alongside this Japanese TV and humor are also inaccessible outside Japan.

In this case, settling for a VPN is the best choice to get a Japanese IP address and also a foreign IP in Japan to access geo-restricted services.

And if you are an ex-pat living in Japan, be alert. The government, commercial enterprises, and even hackers are in search of your data. Public wifi networks and sketchy ISPs can snoop over your “unencrypted” data. 

So, it is better if you can find the best VPN for Japan and use it as a “default” at the earliest. Luckily, you have reached the right place. Keep reading as we’ll explore popular VPN options and help you settle for the best.

List of the Best Japan VPN For 2023

1. ExpressVPN – It has been over eleven years, and this VPN service provider has been the leading name – always foremost recommended. Establishing itself as a seamless go-to app that takes care of user privacy and allows them to choose from 3000+ servers – easily access any streaming service outside of Japan. 
2. Surfshark – An inexpensive yet high-quality VPN – over the past two years; it has expertly unblocked streaming sites, provided unlimited torrenting on its servers, and hasn’t compromised on security and privacy at all. It’s a must-have, especially considering that it has 3200+ servers in 65 countries.
   
3. NordVPN – A trusted VPN for the past eight years, it has a robust privacy policy – saving no logs at all. Be it user sessions, incoming traffic, or timestamps. You can establish a connection across over six devices simultaneously, it has multi-platform support. Lastly, it has 5200+ servers in 59+ countries, seven servers are even located in Japan. Easily view Japanese content overseas or vice-versa. 
4. CyberGhost – If you have just started using VPNs, this one’s for you. It is by far, the easiest one to use. Packed with 7700+ servers in more than 90 countries, it gives users the liberty to view geo-restricted streaming services. 
   
5. PrivateVPN – With this tool, get access to geo-restricted content while residing in Japan. Recognized as the fastest-growing VPN, it has 200+ servers in 60+ countries – providing military-grade encryption. Your data remains safe yet you can browse through any streaming service or any site. 

How to Change Your IP Address to a Japanese IP with a VPN?

If you’re away from Japan or simply want to view Japanese exclusive content, you can “fake” your IP address and get away with it. By changing your IP address, you can pretend to be in Japan and get the same privileges.

So, in order to change your IP address to a Japanese one with a VPN, follow these steps. It’s a simple, straightforward process. 

1. Install an efficient VPN and sign-up. Ideally, you should install ExpressVPN. It is the fastest VPN with a verified no-logging policy.
2. Open the VPN and choose a Japanese server out of the 3000+ servers. 
3. That’s it. You can access geo-restricted content now. If there are any issues, try clearing out the browser’s cookies. 

Stream Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll, local Japanese TV, or anything else now – and remain safe as well! 

Best VPN for Japan – In-Depth Analysis

1. ExpressVPN – Gives quick access to Crunchyroll anime shows
2. Surfshark – Offers Netflix Japan VPN servers that give original Japanese dubbing
3. NordVPN – Offers the biggest server park in Japan
4. CyberGhost – Offers Netflix Japan VPN servers right in the heart of Tokyo
5. PrivateVPN – A strong VPN to get a foreign IP address in Japan

1. ExpressVPN – Gives quick access to Crunchyroll anime shows

ExpressVPN was recognized at the T3 Awards 2020 as the best VPN service provider. It has a sleek, user-friendly, and clean design that caters to everyone.

If you are looking to access Japanese content, this is the ideal VPN to choose – because several of it’s 3000+ servers are located in Japan alone. 

Also, you should know that ExpressVPN is one of the few ones that can bypass geo-restricted content, especially the likes of Netflix and Hulu. 

With high-speed, constant connectivity, and unlimited bandwidth – the plans for ExpressVPN are reasonable too. Get a 15-month (3 free months) subscription for $6.67/mo. Plus, you can just test the service out under a 30-day trial. Easily get a refund by the end of the month. 

ExpressVPN has been operating from the British Virgin Islands, a country that lies outside the “14 eyes” for the past eleven years, you definitely shouldn’t worry about data logging. Their TrustedServer technology is especially useful in this case, it deletes logged data immediately. 

Over the past eleven years, ExpressVPN has hidden IP addresses with high-profile encryption – AES-256. while OpenVPN and IKEv2 have been the default protocols.

ExpressVPN also prioritizes DNS and IP leak protection, safeguarding your data. Download ExpressVPN on your consoles, routers, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. 

Pros

• Add as a VPN extension on the browser
• Live 24/7 customer care
• Uninterrupted streaming service 
• With a split tunneling feature, reroute traffic

Cons

• Limited to five connections at a time

Get Started with ExpressVPN Now!

2. Surfshark – Offers Netflix Japan VPN servers that give original Japanese dubbing

Surfshark has high-speed connectivity, versatile service, and overall provides an excellent experience. With their CleanWeb tool, get rid of suspicious Japan-based malware and block annoying ads on the way as well. 

It has a friendly UI, hence it’s perfect for the entire family – you can establish a connection on multiple devices too. To access Surfshark on your TV, use its SmartDNS feature. 

And it’s not expensive either. For just $2.30/mo (Save 82% and get 2 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). There are other plans as well, depending on how long you subscribe.

You can even pay online via cryptocurrency among other methods. As an added bonus, If you are not satisfied with the service in any way, ask for a refund under 30-day and get your cashback. 

In technical terms, Surfshark prioritizes your anonymity by opting for the best. AES-256-GCM is the standard encryption while IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and the fairly new WireGuard are the default protocols. Their NoBorders feature shouldn’t be overlooked either – it allows users to access restricted regions easily. 

And the best fact, this affordable VPN has over 3200+ servers in 65 countries, and they all are P2P-friendly.

Connect to any server and browse through streaming services without worrying about your anonymity – since the app operates outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance in the safe British Virgin Islands. Install Surfshark on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Pros

• Unlimited bandwidth 
• No-logs policy 
• Simultaneously connect across your devices
• Reasonable pricing

Cons

• Some servers don’t provide a stable connection 

Get Started with Surfshark Now!

3. NordVPN – Offers the biggest server park in Japan

NordVPN comes with a minimalistic, easy-to-use design that can be used by the entire family, and at the same time. Connect up to 6 devices with one account.

The VPN is lightweight and can be used as a browser extension as well, thousands have used it over the past eight years.

NordVPN states that it does not save any logs whatsoever. Be it user session, incoming traffic, or your private information. 

And above all, it is based in Panama – a country with no data retention laws. To protect yourself from the Japanese government and potential hackers, install NordVPN.

Their 2-year long plan costs $5.29/mo (Save 68% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). The award-winning VPN even has a cashback policy. If the service turns out to be not what you had expected, ask for a refund in under 30-days. It’s that easy. 

Their protection policy is profound as well. Internet traffic is encrypted with 256-bit AES and 2,048-bit SSL is the standard key. NordVPN’s 5200+ servers are optimized for consistent streaming, anti-DDoS, and providing a dedicated anonymous VPN. 

The servers are P2P approved as well, you can easily share large files. Anyway, install the VPN on iOS Android, Windows, Linux, or Mac.

Pros

• A few servers are based in Japan
• Live chat support
• Reasonable pricing
• Fast, instant connections

Cons

• Doesn’t automatically connect to a server

Get Started with NordVPN Now!

4. CyberGhost – Offers Netflix Japan VPN servers right in the heart of Tokyo

CyberGhost poses as a premium VPN and rightfully so. With 7700+ servers at your disposal, torrent all the files you want with unlimited bandwidth, and access geo-restricted content in Japan while you’re at it too.

Apparently, a few servers are based in Japan as well – view local content overseas. 

Even better, you can test CyberGhost with a one-day free trial before actually subscribing to a plan. Subscribe to either of the four plans for as low as $2.29/mo (three-year subscription) and connect it across seven devices simultaneously.

CyberGhost comes along with a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can even contact their customer care and get a refund instantly. It’s a win-win situation. 

After purchasing a plan, you get access to CyberGhost ID Guard – it protects logged info and monitors data leaks. And you don’t need to worry much about privacy – the VPN operates from Romania, despite being in Europe, it has privacy-friendly laws. 

Lastly, it is secured with high-grade encryption, it assures you get an anonymous experience online. OpenVPN is the go-to protocol and 256-bit AES is used as the encryption, alongside 2048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication.

So, install CyberGhost on your TV or mobile. It’s a great VPN for Android, iOS, PC, Mac, and Linux.

Pros

• Robust privacy policy
• Flatline, consistent torrent speed
• Can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and others
• Servers distributed all over the globe 

Cons

• It’s slightly expensive when compared to other VPNs

Get Started with CyberGhost Now!

5- PrivateVPN – A strong VPN to get a foreign IP address in Japan

As the name indicates, PrivateVPN has established itself as a privacy-friendly, lightning-speed VPN that works for the comfort of its users. It’s a trustworthy tool that has unlimited bandwidth – stream anything from Japan or overseas. 

And the servers allow a seamless connection. Initially, many had criticized the VPN for its small network, so it expanded. Now, PrivateVPN has 200+ servers in 60+ countries. It still might be a small number, but quality-wise, it has one of the best servers. Access Netflix, Hulu, or any other service instantly. 

Get a 36-month subscription at a discounted price right now – at just $2.00/mo. And there’s no risk attached. Try the VPN out for 30-days without any charges. 

While you’re browsing through, know that PrivateVPN stores no-logs and has strong encryption attached. A combination of AES-256 with a 2048-bit DH key ensures military-grade protection.

It’s worth noting that PrivateVPN is a Swedish company, hence the high-quality UI. However, it falls under the 14-Eyes Alliance, a not-so-friendly jurisdiction. 

Install the VPN with one-click on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and even routers. PrivateVPN has a special emphasis on customer-care – if you have any inquiries, directly contact their in-house developers. 

Get Started with PrivateVPN Now!

Best Free VPN Services for Japan

Now, if you are searching for a “free” VPN, unfortunately, the options aren’t satisfactory. There are a lot of limitations attached and your privacy might get violated.

For instance – encryption quality, speed, UI, server optimization, and bandwidth caps matter a lot when determining a good-quality VPN and the “free” options fail to provide a genuine solution. 

More so, these VPN companies capitalize on their user’s data. Starting with tracking your browsing history, usage patterns, and inserting cookies – eventually selling your data to third-party advertisers. 

And you can expect annoying pop-up ads to come out of nowhere, disturbing your experience. It’s best to avoid it. But if you still insist on trying out a “free” VPN, there are two reliable names. It’s worth checking them out: 

1. Windscribe

Windscribe is not only a free-to-use VPN but it is generous when it comes to data allowance – offering over 10 GB bandwidth each month, and they safeguard your data to their utmost capability.

In order to view uncensored and exclusive streaming content in Japan, connect to one of Windscribe’s servers – their 10 servers are scattered all over 63 countries. 

Windscribe is packed with an abundance of military-grade encryptions and protocols – it uses AES-256 cipher with SHA512 authorization and a 4096-bit RSA key.

Furthermore, this VPN does not restrict you to “one” protocol either. Use either IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP/TCP, Stealth, or Websocket Stealth. 

Despite being based in Canada, and untrustworthy jurisdiction that falls under 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance, Windscribe’s privacy policy is commendable. This VPN does not store IP stamps, connection logs, and basically doesn’t track you around.

And you can even set apps to connect to the VPN or work directly, through their Split Tunneling feature – it is limited to Android users for the being, though. 

However, despite all the glory, there are still a few features that are restricted for premium-use. Windscribe’s signature R.O.B.E.R.T tool is one of them – it gives you faster access, working as an adblocker among other things.

To use it, subscribe to one of Windscribe’s PRO plans – it starts off from $4.08/mo. Access the VPN on either Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or even Linux.

2. ProtonVPN

Starting off as a crowdfunded project, ProtonVPN has come a long way since then. It is a Swiss-based company and hence, isn’t prone to data retention laws. Most notably, there are no monthly data limits attached.

There is unlimited bandwidth, and with high-speed connectivity (up to 10 Gbps), this free VPN stands next to none – an ideal choice for Japan, stream content without any interruptions in-between. 

ProtonVPN apparently has a trademark Security Core architecture that has its servers physically located at a Swiss army shelter 1000 meters below the surface, providing security to the fullest. Encrypted with AES-256, it uses 4096-bit RSA as key exchange and HMAC with SHA384 for message authentication. For protocols, ProtonVPN is supported by the best – IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN.

In the worst-case scenario, even if your data gets breached, ProtonVPN’s DNS leak prevention feature will encrypt your domain, leaving the hacker with nothing to see. 

However, with all these perks, the tool’s “free” version restricts you to one device-use, only three servers, and does not provide you with the same speed as the Pro version. The plans range from $4/mo to $22/mo.

Honestly, considering that you get P2P sharing, Tor anonymity, secure streaming, and a lot more – it’s worth subscribing. Supported on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. 

Is VPN legal in Japan?

Simply put, VPN usage is legal in Japan. So far, the government hasn’t passed any restrictions. However, as the trend of “censorship” increases in neighboring countries, China and Hong Kong – there’s no guarantee that Japan won’t follow a similar path. 

It’s better to establish a connection and hide your IP address, especially when you are torrenting content. Japan is very strict with its torrenting laws. In 2013 alone, 27 people were arrested when they were caught pirating copyrighted content. So, always have a VPN by your side and protect yourself from third-party advertisers and government agencies

Conclusion

So, that’s it. Hopefully one of these VPNs will suit your needs and you’ll install one. Make sure that you have thoroughly gone through the list of the best VPN for Japan– take a wise decision, be it ExpressVPN or any other. With increasing surveillance in Japan and the rise of censorship worldwide. It’s best that you adapt to a VPN quickly.