In this guide, we’ve been looking at the best VPN services for use in Japan and for accessing Japanese services.
We’ve reduced it down to the top seven choices helping you make a decision which to choose.
Whether you are a foreigner in love with Japan’s culture, or you’re an expat from Japan, if you wish to access everything that Japan has to offer online, you may have trouble doing so from outside of the country.
The same is true for those who live in Japan but wish to access content from other countries or keep their privacy secure. This is an issue that troubles many due to online censorship and geo-restrictions.
However, all of these problems can be bypassed by simply using good, fast VPN services. VPN services can unlock all such content and give you access to the entire internet plus keep your browsing activity safe and secure.
Here are the seven best VPNs for Japan.
Top 7 Best VPNs for Japan
| RANK | PROVIDER | PRICE | COUNTRY LOCATIONS | SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  | $6.67 /mo | 94 | 5 | VISIT |
| 2. |  | $6.49 /mo | 60 | ∞ | VISIT |
| 3. |  | $2.99 /mo | 62 | 6 | VISIT |
| 4. |  | $2.75 /mo | 60 | 7 | VISIT |
| 5. |  | $5.00 /mo | 64 | 5 | VISIT |
| 6. |  | $2.99 /mo | 63 | ∞ | VISIT |
| 7. |  | $2.99 /mo | 74 | 10 | VISIT |
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and safest VPNs out there. With it, you can enjoy unrestricted access in Japan, as well as around the world.
Further, you can stay secure and anonymous at all times, and on pretty much any device and system you choose. ExpressVPN allows you to protect and anonymize Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and even routers, and more.
You can use it to achieve up to five simultaneous connections.
As the name suggests, the service runs at high-speeds; it offers unlimited bandwidth, as well as unlimited server switching, and these features make it one of the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix.
Not to mention its vast server network with its number of servers going over 3,000, in 160 locations in 94 countries around the world.
Of course, that includes servers in Japan, but also all of the other countries from this region, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and alike.
Finally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you change your mind.
Best VPN for Japan
30-day money back guarantee
2. IPVanish
Next, we have IPVanish, which is a perfect solution for those who wish to be completely invisible and anonymous while online. This also includes accessing content in Japan and other countries that geo-blocked it.
The process of geo-blocking means that certain services will block all of the IP addresses that should not have access. They also use another method of only allowing addresses that come from a specific region, such as Japan.
Because of this, it is important for the best VPNs to have servers that offer local IPs.
IPVanish has over 40,000 shared IPs around the world, tied to over 1,200 servers, and located in 60+ countries. It allows anonymity, unlimited bandwidth, and even torrenting.
Five of IPVanish’s servers are located in Japan, but there are others in this area as well, such as Hong Kong (19), Malaysia (2), Singapore (18), and the Philippines (6).
3. NordVPN
To experience a genuinely borderless internet, you should also consider choosing NordVPN for use in Japan. NordVPN features complete privacy, advanced security, as well as total internet freedom.
It can allow you to protect pretty much any device, system, and even some browsers directly. It works great with Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, Smart TVs, and even Chrome and Firefox. Plus you can use it on up to six devices concurrently.
The place where NordVPN shines is its massive server network which features over 5,400 servers in 60 countries around the world. This network is so big that it is impossible for you to find any website or any other type of content that you won’t be able to unlock.
A stand-out feature is NordVPN works well with Japanese Netflix, which many other services fail to offer.
It is great for accessing content in Japan, where NordVPN has 100 servers. Also, the service offers servers in other locations in this area, such as Singapore (82), Australia (209), Hong Kong (58), South Korea (9), Taiwan (8), Malaysia (7), and more.
4. CyberGhost
Next, we have CyberGhost, a service that loves to point out its ability to access blocked websites, unblock streaming services, and even stream things like sports events.
The service also supports torrenting and other forms of P2P file sharing, which makes it worth considering by itself. Not to mention that it allows 7 simultaneous connections.
CyberGhost does more than help you unlock content, of course.
It fully hides your real IP address and replaces it with one of its own, which protects your online identity. It also keeps no logs, while it protects your online traffic with military-grade encryption.
In terms of servers, CyberGhost has more than 6,300 of them, spread around the world in over 88 countries. That, naturally, includes Japan, where the service has 71 available servers.
Other countries in that area that are covered by CyberGhost include South Korea (7), Vietnam (9), Hong Kong (24), Singapore (36), Thailand (9), and more. The service also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is among the longest ones.
5. VyprVPN
Next, we have VyprVPN. This is a service which is perfect for protecting a large number of different devices. It supports Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, Smart TVs, tablets, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
It has more than 700 servers in 70 different locations, which is bound to unlock any type of content you need, including that available only in Japan. Further, it also uses a unique technology that defeats VPN blocking, meaning that it pretty much cannot be stopped.
VyprVPN offers 200,000 IP addresses, unlimited server switching, no restrictions, no download caps, and an app that is extremely easy to understand and use.
It has servers in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and numerous other countries, in and out of Asia.
With this service, the entire internet is in the palm of your hand, completely unrestricted, and accessible from pretty much any device you can think of.
6. Surfshark
Our next suggestion for the top VPN for Japan is Surfshark, a young, but extremely competent VPN provider from the British Virgin Islands.
Surfshark stands above most other VPNs due to a number of reasons. It has all the top security and privacy features, such as military-grade encryption (256-bit AES encryption) and security protocols, a kill switch, no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and more.
Of course, it also has an excellent network of servers. Its number of servers is enourmous, totalling in 3,200 of them. As for server locations, Surfshark covers 65 different countries, which means that you will easily bypass internet censorship and access blocked content.
You can even choose a Japanese VPN server and browse local content with all the security features guarding your connection.
And, of course, you can also use it to unblock foreign Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services. It works on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more, and it allows you to establish unlimited simultaneous connections.
Finally, if you use it and do not like it, you can always use its 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund.
7. Private Internet Access
The last on our list of the best VPN services for Japan, we have Private Internet Access (PIA). This is a Virtual Private Network located in the US, which many might recognize as a bad sign, as the US is known for government surveillance.
However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy, where it claims that it doesn’t keep user’s logs. Auditors also confirmed its logging policy, and that is good enough for us to recommend it as an excellent Japan VPN.
PIA has many great qualities, such as a 30-day money-back guarantee, low prices, 10 simultaneous connections, strong privacy features, and many other advanced features, such as a kill switch, custom DNS servers, great customer service, and many VPN servers available.
In fact, PIA offers access to 19,255 servers, and its network of servers covers 77 different countries. So, if you need a VPN that can protect your Wi-Fi and let you access restricted content via iOS, Android, Windows, and other platforms – this is a great option.
How to choose a VPN for Japan?
Choosing the best Japan VPN can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. We made our list by looking at specific features and aspects that are important for every VPN user, such as:
1. Nearby servers
When it comes to choosing the best Japan VPN, servers are an essential feature. They are used for the protection of your identity, for obtaining Japanese IP and looking at local content, as well as for changing geolocation data that online services collect as you use them.
VPN server locations are also very important, as closer servers allow you to improve your internet speeds when using a VPN, so always choose VPN providers that cover neighboring countries.
2. No-logs policy
The next thing to note when choosing VPNs for Japan is the importance of having a no-logs policy.
You must use a VPN that will not record your activities in order to protect yourself from data retention laws. You should always check a VPN’s privacy policy to see what logs they store and plan accordingly.
3. Unblocks streaming sites
One of the common uses for VPNs these days is for streaming content. You see, VPNs can hide your IP and replace it with one that belongs to their servers, and is tied to server locations.
So, by doing that, you can bypass geo-restrictions and unblock streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and others.
VPNs are very easy to use in this way, and you will finally be able to unlock the entire internet, and not just access Japanese content.
4. Apps
Your experience using a VPN service depends very much on its app, its ease of use, its aesthetics, and alike.
The app needs to be easy to use, as some people are first-time users, and they need to be able to navigate it with ease.
Next, VPN providers also need to make dedicated apps for all popular platforms, so that VPN won’t only be limited to a number of devices.
Lastly, the app needs to allow users to set up advanced features the way they like, and thus modify their protection, which is something that experienced users often want to see.
5. Torrent securely
A VPN also needs to support P2P traffic in order for users to torrent safely. Torrenting is in the gray area when it comes to online laws.
Torrenting itself is not illegal, but downloading and sharing copyrighted content is, and it can sometimes result in a jail sentence. It is best to use a strong Japan VPN and protect your privacy in order to avoid such things, as you may be at fault even if you did not do it intentionally.
Always enable a kill switch, so that you would have leak protection, and connect to a Japan-based server to get a Japanese IP address, but also to obtain the best speeds.
6. Money-back guarantee
Lastly, we often look at the money-back guarantee that the best Japan VPN needs to offer.
After all, most VPNs do not have a free trial, so users need to pay and then do their testing. If they decide that they cannot use the VPN the way they want to use it, such as accessing BBC iPlayer or Netflix with it, or they encounter other issues – they need to be able to get a refund.
The typical length of a money-back guarantee is 30 days, although some services can offer a longer or shorter period.
Are VPNs legal in Japan?
Yes, you can use any VPN as your Japan VPN, as VPNs are perfectly legal in the country.
They are used for improving your online privacy, and since privacy is a human right, you can use it at any time and any place.
Keep in mind, though, that unblocking Netflix and other content may not be illegal, but it might be against their terms of service, so your account might still be blocked if they catch you.
How to get a Japan IP Address?
In order to be able to browse Japan’s online content, you will need a good Japan VPN.
Naturally, we don’t mean only VPNs based in Japan, but rather those that have servers there, such as ExpressVPN.
Once you choose a suitable service, the rest comes down to these few steps.
- Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for an account.
- Next, select a payment plan, choose a payment method, and enter your payment details.
- After that, you will have to download a VPN app for the device you plan to use it on. VPN services like ExpressVPN offer dedicated apps for numerous devices.
- Once you download and install the app for the device you need, launch it and log in.
- Finally, locate a list of servers within the app, and connect to any server in Japan or elsewhere that the VPN service has to offer.
And, that’s it.
You now have a Japanese IP address, and your privacy is assured.
Make sure that DNS leak protection and other security features are set to your liking, and you will be able to do whatever you want from this point on.
If you have any problems, you can contact the Express VPN customer service via live chat.
Is there a free Japanese VPN?
Yes, although we would advise against using them. Since free VPNs do not get the money from their users, they have to use other methods of obtaining finances for maintaining their services.
Sometimes, that includes bombarding you with ads.
Sometimes, however, that may also include recording your data and selling it to advertisers. Besides, we have an entire list of reasons why you should not use free VPNs, such as:
- They record and sell your data.
- They have only a few servers.
- The servers that they do have are overcrowded.
- Free VPNs are extremely slow.
- Their security and privacy features are very weak.
- They often have limits, typically involving bandwidth.
- They just aren’t trustworthy.
- Most streaming services blocked them a long time ago.
However, we understand that sometimes, you can’t help it, and you are forced to go for a free VPN due to cost, urgency, or some other reason. If you find yourself in a situation like that, you can still use services like Tunnelbear or ProtonVPN.
While legitimate, they do have substantial limitations. For example, with ProtonVPN, you can only connect to a few servers. Meanwhile, Tunnelbear only lets you use 500MB of data per month for free.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your online privacy is as important in Japan as it is anywhere else in the world. The same online threats exist regardless of where you are, which is why it’s essential to use a VPN in Japan.
Furthermore, accessing content only available in Japan, such as Japanese Netflix is something that a lot of people wish to do, but often end up prevented from doing so.
Whether you are a citizen of Japan who moved away, or you are traveling, or you love Japan’s culture and content – you will have a tough time without a good VPN service.
All of the services we mentioned have servers in Japan, which will allow you to stay secure, retain your privacy and access the country’s content.
Our top choice right now for use in Japan is ExpressVPN.
They have a good range of servers both in Japan and in surrounding countries, offer some of the top speeds and they’re utterly beginner-friendly across all types of devices.
Don’t forget you can try them risk-free by taking advantage of their 30-day money back guarantee.
Try Express VPN for Japan today
Risk-free money back guarantee
