Japan is the home of many technological inventions, so one would imagine its citizens are up-to-date with security and privacy dangers online. However, in a report carried out by NordVPN, the well-known VPN provider demonstrated that the Japanese were the least ‘cyber-savvy.’
Many Japanese citizens are still unaware of the risks that the internet poses to their privacy. Although Japan enforces data laws that protect resident’s privacy online, Japanese people still fall victim to web tracking, hacking, and many other cybersecurity dangers.
Below are our choices for the best VPNs for Japan. Read on to learn more about each VPN regarding server network size, security and privacy features, and geo-unblocking ability.
Max Speed: | 115000 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
The best VPN for Japan is NordVPN. With lightning-fast connection speeds and advanced security tools, NordVPN provides an overall safe and enjoyable VPN experience.
NordVPN is one of the best Japan VPN providers since it offers a VPN server location in Japan with 80 servers, enabling users from outside of the country to get a Japanese IP address. You can enjoy super-fast speeds when connected to a Nord server, regardless of your physical distance. There is also unlimited bandwidth on all plans, which means that you can enjoy data-heavy activities like streaming.
NordVPN can unblock many streaming services such as Netflix Japan and other local TV networks like Fuji TV and TV Tokyo. Likewise, Japanese residents can use NordVPN to watch content on US Netflix and UK’s BBC iPlayer.
Accessing restricted content isn’t the only thing NordVPN subscribers can enjoy. There is 256-bit AES encryption to keep browsing data safe at all times and an internet kill switch that comes into play if your VPN connection cuts out. You can even send your traffic via two servers, thanks to Double VPN, keeping you more secure online.
As well as the above, NordVPN operates a tight no-logs policy and is based in Panama, ensuring that the provider doesn’t have to follow strict data retention laws. Simply put, if you want privacy online in Japan, Nord is the provider for you.
An abundance of extra features lies at your fingertips with NordVPN. There is split tunneling which lets you decide which internet traffic is sent via the VPN. There is also the option to route your connection via the Onion Network for more anonymity.
If we had one complaint about NordVPN, it would be that the provider offers only 6 simultaneous connections. While this is one more than the industry standard, it is still a lot less than competitors such as Surfshark and Private Internet Access. We’d like to see Nord increase its device connection cap in the near future.
One positive aspect of NordVPN when it comes to devices is that it has apps for many operating systems. You can install the VPN on your Windows, Android, iOS, or macOS device, as well as Smart TVs and other IoT objects.
Overall, NordVPN is the best Japan VPN because it does what it promises to do. There is excellent customer service on the website, a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, and prices starting from $3.71 per month.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 15 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
A close second on our list of the best VPNs for Japan is Surfshark. This VPN made a splash when it first launched and has risen up the ranks to become a firm favorite of many subscribers.
Surfshark operates 13 servers in Japan, meaning that there is the option for all users to get a Japanese IP address. With a local IP, users from outside of Japan can enjoy local TV shows and films and switch their location on certain apps to meet and speak with Japanese friends.
However, Surfshark is also a great option for Japanese residents who want access to content in other countries. The provider can unblock many Netflix libraries including in the US and Germany, as well as BBC iPlayer in the UK and Amazon Prime Video catalogs worldwide.
The NoBorders mode is one of our favorite features of Surfshark since it enables users in restricted regions to use the VPN. If you’re in China and want to access a Japanese website, Surfshark can enable you to do so.
Since Japanese residents are seemingly the least informed about online privacy, it makes sense to use a VPN like Surfshark. The VPN service uses an array of security tools to keep your web traffic private. There is military-grade encryption and DNS leak protection across the entire server network.
Moreover, the provider is based in the British Virgin Islands and enjoys great data privacy laws. Surfshark has one of the best privacy policies we have seen, which has been audited to verify the provider’s no-logging claims.
If you connect to open wi-fi networks in Japan, then you are putting yourself at risk of snoopers seizing your personal information. Fortunately, you can activate the auto-connect feature with Surfshark, ensuring that your web data is protected whenever you’re online.
Another nifty feature that will be of use to internet users in Japan is CleanWeb, the provider’s anti-malware, and ad-blocking tool. By enabling this in the app, you can block website trackers, ads, and malware and give yourself more security as you surf the web.
Surfshark beats all other providers when it comes to the number of devices you can use the VPN. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections and works on most operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Smart TVs.
If you sign up for Surfshark today, you can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee with no strings attached. Prices start from $2.49 per month on the 24-month plan, and all customers have access to first-rate customer support via live chat and email service.
Max Speed: | 300000 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dynamic |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Japan. However, it also offers a great paid-for service that comes with bundles of extra features for customers.
ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for a Japan VPN since it offers users a comprehensive free plan that includes access to 3 servers in Japan. Not many free VPNs from reputable providers allow users to access servers outside of the US, so ProtonVPN scores points for this offering.
The free plan features don’t end there; users can also access server locations in the US and the Netherlands and enjoy excellent security features such as AES-256 bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and access to an internet kill switch.
Also available across all plans, both free and paid, are features like split tunneling and the ability to automatically launch the VPN upon switching on your device. However, users will have to pay for a subscription for access to the Onion Network and optimized P2P servers since these are not available on the free version.
Paying ProtonVPN customers can also enjoy blocked content on video streaming sites in Japan and other countries. ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix and several other streaming services. However, the number is limited compared to providers like Surfshark, so we wouldn’t recommend ProtonVPN if your main need for a VPN for Japan is accessing many streaming sites.
However, we do recommend the provider for torrenting. As mentioned, there is P2P support on many servers, which is good news for Japanese users who want to download files secretly. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and operates a no-logs policy, meaning that all torrenting activity is kept completely private at all times.
Depending on the VPN plan you choose, you’ll be able to use the VPN on a different number of devices. The ProtonVPN app is first-rate and extremely well-designed. The PC client features an infographic with information including download speeds and server loads. Despite the high-tech appearance, the ProtonVPN is surprisingly user-friendly, even for novices.
Each paid plan comes with a pro-rata 30-day money-back guarantee. There is limited customer support for subscribers, including a help center on the website and email service. We recommend downloading ProtonVPN’s free plan and upgrading if you’re impressed with the service.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 4 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
CyberGhost is a great VPN for Japan since it provides customers with many Japanese IP addresses. Moreover, the provider is well-known for its first-rate content unblocking capabilities.
If you want access to over 7000 fast servers, then CyberGhost VPN is the provider for you. With unlimited bandwidth and zero data caps, you can torrent, stream, and game as much as you want with this VPN.
You don’t just get fast servers with CyberGhost. The provider offers many security features, the highlights of which include military-grade encryption to hide your web traffic, private DNS on all servers, and IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection.
A kill switch is also available to cease your internet access should the VPN server connection falter. This ensures that all of your web data won’t be exposed if there is a problem with the VPN connection.
CyberGhost VPN is great for unblocking streaming content on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, as well as news sites and social media networks. Thanks to the high number of servers, you can access restricted content just about anywhere in the world. You can even use CyberGhost to spoof your location on certain apps, such as Pokemon Go, and catch rare Pokemon in Japan.
Not all VPN services support torrenting, but CyberGhost does. With this VPN provider, you can file share with other users under a different IP address, keeping your real location and identity private. Torrenting is common in Japan, but copyright infringement can result in a jail sentence. For this reason, you need a VPN for Japan if you wish to torrent in the country.
Users get 7 simultaneous connections per plan, and there is support for many devices. Whether you want to use the VPN on your macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, or Apple TV, you can. You can even configure the VPN software to your home router!
Of all the VPN providers on our list, CyberGhost is the only one to offer a 45-day money-back guarantee. This exceeds the industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users extra time to test out the VPN service.
Max Speed: | 58000 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
ExpressVPN is a great option for a Japan VPN. As one of the most popular VPNs in the world, it has server locations across the world, including in Japan itself.
If you’re looking to enhance your online privacy in Japan, then ExpressVPN is the perfect option. The provider combines military-grade encryption with its Lightway protocol to create a safe and secure tunneling connection.
ExpressVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to ensure that user data is wiped automatically from the servers. This ensures that your browsing data won’t be seen by third parties, even if ExpressVPN suffers a security breach on its server network.
The provider works well in bypassing restrictions, making it excellent for people living in Japan. You can connect to servers in 94 countries from Japan and access blocked content on streaming services and other websites. With ExpressVPN, you can also connect to a Japanese server location, get a Japanese IP address, and watch anime series and local TV shows when they are released.
It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN users only get 5 simultaneous connections. Although this is the standard number for VPNs, it is rather limiting. Fortunately, ExpressVPN provides a user-friendly router app and enables subscribers to configure the VPN to their router. This bypasses device limits and protects all systems on the router network.
Subscribers can make the most of excellent customer support on the ExpressVPN website. There is a 24/7 live chat, an email service, and a useful support center with FAQs and information on making the most out of the VPN service.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, users can test out the service and get a full refund if they aren’t completely satisfied. It’s important to keep in mind that ExpressVPN charges high prices starting at $6.67. However, the price point reflects the standard of service that customers receive.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 13 |
Information sharing: | 5 Eyes Member |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
Last but not least is IPVanish VPN. This Japan VPN option is perfect for users who want to watch Japanese content on Netflix, Kodi, and other streaming platforms.
IPVanish is an excellent choice for a Japan VPN because it has 20 servers in Tokyo. This means you can get a local IP address and access sites that are only available in Japan. Like the other providers on this list, IPVanish is a decent VPN for accessing foreign content.
If you’re a Kodi user and want to access Japanese streaming platforms in your Kodi player, then IPVanish is the best choice. It is a great VPN for Kodi and can unblock many different video services, including Netflix and YouTube.
With IPVanish, users don’t need to worry about limits when it comes to using the VPN. Like ExpressVPN, there are no limits to the number of devices you can use the VPN on simultaneously. You can use the VPN on Windows, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, Android, and Linux and share your subscription with family members and friends.
If you’re worried about online security and privacy in Japan, then IPVanish can assist in protecting you. There is advanced encryption and a choice of tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and IPSec. You can connect to public wi-fi networks in Japan and feel relaxed knowing that your browsing data is completely safe.
Customer service is some of the best we have seen with IPVanish, mainly due to the fact that it operates a telephone helpline for VPN subscribers. There’s also a live chat, an email service, and a help center on the website. If you have any issues when using the VPN, there are many places you can turn to to get help.
IPVanish offers various subscriptions. The best deal is the IPVanish + Cloud Storage option which comes in at just under $3 per month on the annual plan. This great deal includes free encrypted cloud storage to ensure your files and personal documents can be stored in a safe place.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, IPVanish is a great option for a Japan VPN, and we seriously recommend trying it out.
If you live in Japan and aren’t using VPN software, then you need to be. Take a look at the reasons why below:
When you use a VPN, you connect to a server that sends your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This turns your browsing data into jumbled-up code, making it hard for third parties such as hackers or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to decipher. You can surf the web, safe in the knowledge that no one can view your web traffic.
When you connect to a VPN server, you change your IP address. By changing your IP address to one in another country, you can access geo-restricted content. If you’re in the United States and want to watch recent episodes of Terrace House on Japanese Netflix, you need to connect to a Japan VPN server.
Likewise, residents in Japan can access news, streaming, and social media sites in other parts of the world. The VPNs on this list are great for unblocking geo-restricted content as are the services on our Asia VPN list.
VPNs are legal in Japan. However, the country has strict laws regarding copyrighted materials and illegal activities online. Using a VPN doesn’t negate the illegality of anything you do that breaks Japanese law. Be vigilant when using a VPN in Japan and respect the country’s rules.
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Japan since it allows users to connect to 3 servers in Japan. Other free VPNs like Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear only allow users to connect to US-based servers. Moreover, Hola VPN, a popular free VPN service, is dangerous and can actually put your online privacy at more risk.
For all of the reasons above, look no further than ProtonVPN if you want a free VPN for Japan.
To get a Japanese IP address is simple! Here’s how to do it:
Japan is considered a free country when it comes to internet use. However, in recent years, the government has imposed restrictions that affect journalists and human rights activists, which is worrisome. Using a VPN ensures that users can get back these new restrictions.
Getting a VPN for Japan is easy since almost all major VPN services offer servers in Japan. Check out our list above to find a great Japanese VPN service and sign up for a subscription.
VPN Gate is a Japanese VPN 'experiment' that is operated by the University of Tsukuba, Japan and offers users access to global servers, including in Japan.
I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet.
I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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