Best VPN for Japan | Our Top 5 Providers

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.

Best VPNs for Japan [Quick Overview]

1. Surfshark – Best VPN for Japan
   
2. ExpressVPN – ٖFastest VPN for Japan 
3. NordVPN – Best Japan VPN for Security 
4. CyberGhost – Best Japan VPN for Beginners 
   
5. PrivateVPN – Best Streaming VPN for Japan 

Best VPN for Japan – Indepth Analysis

1. Surfshark – Best VPN for Japan 

Servers — 3200 servers in 100 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is the best Japan VPN and our top pick. 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. Surfshark works with all popular streaming services such as Zee5, Voot, SonyLiv, Hulu, Peacock TV, and many more. 

And it’s not expensive either. For just $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 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 days 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 3,200 servers in 100 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. This VPN is known as one of the best VPNs for multiple devices.

You can check our detailed review of Surfshark if you’re thinking of getting this affordable VPN.

Japanese Servers: Surfshark offers around 62 servers in Tokyo, Japan. These include both dynamic and static IP addresses.

Pros

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

Cons

• Some servers don’t provide a stable connection 

2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Japan

Servers — VPN Servers in 105 Countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers Network Lock for secure Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 12 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another best VPN for Japan known for its fast connection speeds. 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 its servers are located in Japan alone. Overall, ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. 

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

With high speed, constant connectivity, and unlimited bandwidth – the plans for ExpressVPN are reasonable too. Get a 15-month (3 free months) subscription for $2.49/mo. Plus, you can just test the service out under a 30-day trial. Easily get a refund by the end of the month. With ExpressVPN’s free trial, you can take the VPN for a free spin before buying it.

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. 

Check out our full review of  ExpressVPN so you’ll get to know more about this fast VPN.

Japanese Servers: ExpressVPN offers several servers in Tokyo (including Shibuya) and Yokohama.

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

3. NordVPN – Best Japan VPN for Security 

Servers — 8,353 servers in 127 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offer obfuscated and P2P optimized servers.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit NordVPN

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 10 devices with one account. NordVPN offers impressive coverage of 6,343 servers in 111 countries. 

The VPN is lightweight and can be used as a browser extension as well, thousands have used it over the past eight years. Its Double VPN technology doubles the encryption standards, making each server secure.

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 $3.49/mo (Save 69% with 24-month plan and get 3 extra months). 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 servers are optimized for consistent streaming, anti-DDoS, and providing a dedicated anonymous VPN. 

There are also options to get a dedicated IP address if you want your internet roaming a hundred percent risk-free.

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

Check our in-depth review of NordVPN before purchasing this VPN.

Japanese Servers: NordVPN has 130 servers in Japan. This is great news for travelers and expats in Japan.

Pros

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

Cons

• Doesn’t automatically connect to a server

4. CyberGhost – Best Japan VPN for Beginners 

Servers — 7700+ servers in 90+ countries.

Logs — Passed the Security Audit by QSCert in 2012

Unblocks — Can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime & more.

Torrenting — Optimized servers for Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 7 simultaneous connections

Money-back guarantee — 45-day money back guarantee.

Visit CyberGhost

CyberGhost poses as a premium VPN and rightfully so thanks to its user-friendly apps. 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. You will even find streaming-optimized servers for Japanese Netflix, Crunchyroll, and many other services. 

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 $2.11/mo. It supports 7 simultaneous connections on a single account. 

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. Other than that, CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy and is far off from the surveillance alliances’ locations. It means you don’t need to worry much about privacy – the VPN operates from Romania, and 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.

If you are interested in buying this VPN, then check our detailed review of CyberGhost.

Japanese Servers: CyberGhost runs 232 Japanese servers in total. It even has special servers for Japanese Netflix.

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

5- PrivateVPN – Best Streaming VPN for Japan 

Servers — 200+ servers in 60+ countries.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Unblocks — Can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime & more.

Torrenting — Supports P2P & Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 6 simultaneous connections

Money-back guarantee — 30-day money back guarantee.

Visit PrivateVPN

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. 

Japanese Servers: PrivateVPN also offers multiple servers in Tokyo, Japan.

Pros

• Servers in Japan
• Easy-to-use apps for all platforms 
• Can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others
• Servers distributed all over the globe 

Cons

• Low server count 
• Speed is not that great

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 Surfshark. It is the fastest VPN with a verified no-logging policy.
2. Open the VPN and choose a Japanese server.
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! 

How We Chose and Tested The Best VPN for Japan 

Here’s the process we used to determine if a VPN deserved a spot on this list:

• Servers: We focused on selecting VPNs that have servers not only in Japan but also across all major countries, ensuring a broad and reliable connection.
• Streaming: Accessing streaming content is one of the main reasons people use VPNs. As platforms like Netflix Japan continue to enhance their geoblocking, it’s essential to have a VPN that can consistently bypass these restrictions. The VPNs included here excel at unblocking content.
• Speed: Fast connections are crucial for streaming without interruptions. The VPNs we recommend consistently provide high speeds globally, so you won’t face buffering during your favorite shows.
• Security: Strong security features are a must for any top VPN. We looked for those offering advanced encryption, strict no-logs policies, and kill switches to ensure your data remains secure at all times.
• Price: We prioritized VPNs that offer great value, where the cost matches the quality of service. These VPNs provide a good balance of affordability and performance, allowing you to subscribe with confidence.
• Customer Support: Good customer support is essential if you need assistance with a feature or encounter an issue. We selected VPNs that offer multiple support options, including 24/7 live chat and detailed guides, to ensure you always have the help you need.

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, or 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, streaming 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. 

Why Do You Need a VPN in Japan?

While Japan doesn’t enforce the same level of online restrictions as some neighboring countries, your internet service provider (ISP) and government authorities can still monitor your online activities, just as in many other countries. If you prefer to keep your internet usage private, a VPN can conceal your online behavior, ensuring complete privacy.

Similarly, if you’re outside Japan but want to access Japanese content, connecting to a VPN server in Japan will allow you to view it all. If you’re in Japan and wish to access content from other regions, a reliable VPN can help you do so securely and privately.

A VPN can help you get better deals on goods and services. Prices for streaming services or products can vary depending on your location. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location, which might help you find better deals and save money.

What is Online Censorship in Japan Like?

The internet in Japan is relatively unrestricted, allowing users to access a wide range of online content, including apps, social media, blogs, and websites, regardless of whether they are residents or visitors.

However, Japan does have strict regulations regarding online activities. Engaging in inappropriate online behavior can lead to severe consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

Using a VPN is an effective way to browse the internet securely and privately. By masking your IP address and encrypting your data, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain hidden from websites, content providers, and ISPs.

With the top VPNs adhering to strict no-logs policies, your browsing data is never stored or shared with government agencies. Since there are no logs to provide, authorities would be limited to requesting live monitoring at most.

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– make a wise decision, be it Surfshark or any other. With increasing surveillance in Japan and the rise of censorship worldwide. It’s best that you adapt to a VPN quickly.