When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Finding the best VPN for Japan is crucial for a smooth and secure online experience, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
Travelers in Japan might face restrictions on accessing their favorite US streaming services or struggle with online privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks. So, having a safe and fast VPN that encrypts your data and allows you to switch your real IP to your desired location is a must.
We meticulously analyzed each VPN’s security measures, features, server network, pricing, and geo-unblocking capabilities to present you with the best Japan VPN options. Take a look at our findings.
The Best Japanese VPN Tested By Our Experts
NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy
Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections
ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager
PureVPN – Functional VPN With Cheap Add-Ons
ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan
CyberGhostVPN – Secure VPN With Various Dedicated Servers
6 Best Japan VPN at a Glance
- NordVPN – Best secure and fast Japan VPN
- Surfshark – Best value Japan VPN with unlimited connections
- ExpressVPN – Top fast VPN for streaming in Japan
- PureVPN – Top Japan VPN for security-conscious business travelers
- Proton VPN – Best free Japan VPN service
- CyberGhost – Best easy-to-use Japan VPN for beginners
- Show Full Guide
Best VPNs for Japan Reviewed
Numerous popular VPNs offer Japanese servers, yet not all providers are of the same quality. So, to shortlist the best Japan VPN services, we tested over 12 VPN providers in terms of security, features, pricing, and unblocking capabilities. Here’s what we found:
NordVPN – Best VPN for Japan With Powerful Security and Streaming Capabilities
| Server Fleet | 6,400+ in 111+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 130+ servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Starting Price | $3.39/month |
Pros
- 130+ servers in Japan
- No logging of your data
- Powerful unblocking capabilities
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- Limited device connections
Surfshark – Best Unlimited Connections and Fast Speeds Japan VPN
| Server Fleet | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 62 servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browser extension |
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Pros
- 62 servers in Japan
- Budget-friendly subscription plans
- Risk-free 30-day refund policy
- 7 day free trial
- Unlimited connections
Cons
- Belongs to the 14-Eyes Alliance
- Pricier short-terms subscriptions
ExpressVPN – Best for Secure and Speedy Internet Connection in Japan
| Server Fleet | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 4 locations |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Starting Price | $6.67/month |
Pros
- Four server locations in Japan
- Unblocks Japanese TV channels and streaming platforms
- 24/7 live chat
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons
- Premium prices
- Limited connections (8 devices)
PureVPN – Best for Security and Privacy-Focused Business Travelers in Japan
| Server Fleet | 6,000+ servers in 60 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 6+ servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Starting Price | $2.14/month |
Pros
- 6 local servers in Japan
- Unblocks Fuji TV, TV Tokyo, and more
- DNS and IP leak protection
- 31-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Small number of servers in Japan
- Limited device number
Proton VPN – Best Free Japan VPN Service
| Server Fleet | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 79 servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Android TV, and iOS |
| Starting Price | $3.59/month |
Pros
- 79 servers in Japan
- 3 Japan servers in free plan
- Always-On kill switch
- 30-day refund policy for premium subscriptions
Cons
- No 24/7 customer support
- Fewer advanced features than some top VPN providers
CyberGhost VPN – Best Beginner-Friendly Japan VPN With Intuitive Apps
| Server Fleet | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 200+ servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Starting Price | $2.03/month |
Pros
- Over 200 servers in Japan
- Intuitive apps for beginners
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not the fastest speeds on the market
- Premium pricing for short-term premium plans
Best Japan VPNs Compared
Check out how best Japan VPNs stand against each other in terms of servers, speeds, main features, and prices.
| Brand | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | Proton VPN | CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Fleet | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,000+ servers in 60 countries | 6,300+ servers in 100 countries | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
| Servers in Japan | Yes, 130+ | Yes, 62 servers | Yes, 4 locations | Yes, 6+ | Yes, 79 | Yes, 200+ |
| Speed Retention | 73% | 74% | 50% | 79% | 90% | 64% |
| No-log Policy | Yes, independently audited by PwC and Deloitte | Yes, independently audited by Deloitte | Yes, independently audited by KPMG | Yes, independently audited by KPMG, PureSquare, Altius IT | Yes, independently audited by Securitum | Yes, independently audited by Deloitte |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unblocks US Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unblocks Japanese Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days | Yes, 7 days | Yes, 7 days for iOS and Android | Yes, 7 days for mobile devices | Free version available | Yes, 1 day on Windows and macOS, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS |
| Starting Price | $3.39/month | $2.19/month | $6.67/month | $2.14/month | $3.59/month | $2.03/month |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do I Need a VPN in Japan?
Japan has a vibrant online culture, with addictive anime such as Demon Slayer and a lively online gaming scene. Even in this tech-savvy country, a VPN can be a useful tool.
Here’s why:
- Unlocking Japanese Content Abroad – Traveling the world but missing your weekly dose of Attack on Titan? Geo-restrictions can prevent you from accessing your favorite Japanese streaming services. A VPN with Japanese servers lets you connect and browse the entire Japanese library from anywhere.
- Increase Online Privacy – Japanese society has not been very sensitive to privacy protection. Luckily, a VPN encrypts your data, keeping your online activities private and promoting a safer online experience.
- Bypassing Censorship – While Japan has a relatively free internet, some content might be restricted. A VPN allows you to bypass these limits and access a wider range of websites or your favorite anime shows.
- Gaming Without Borders – Japan is a global leader in online gaming. A good gaming VPN can help gamers access region-locked titles or connect to servers with lower latency for a speedier experience.
See our guide to the best VPNs for travel for more recommendations for other destinations.
Are VPNs Legal in Japan?
Yes, using a VPN is totally legal in Japan. However, using a VPN for illegal activities is not legal. Japan brands itself as having a free and open internet, and no laws specifically prohibit VPN use for everyday browsing or streaming.
On the other hand, Japan has strict laws against online activities like downloading copyrighted content (illegal regardless of VPN use), hacking, and online gambling. Japan’s online gambling regulation prohibits any virtual activity that uses online casinos.
That being said, using a VPN to access illegal gambling sites or engage in other prohibited activities won’t protect you from legal consequences.
In a nutshell, a VPN can serve you as a privacy tunnel but not an invisibility cloak. It encrypts your traffic and hides your location but won’t legalize illegal actions. So, while you can browse freely and securely with a VPN, always put responsible online behavior first.
Which VPNs Have Servers in Japan?
While we’ve highlighted some top VPN choices for Japan, the landscape is vast. Here are a few additional trustworthy VPN providers known to offer servers in Japan:
- IPVanish. A popular choice because it focuses on security and supports multiple connections. It offers 20 Tokyo VPN servers.
- Private Internet Access (PIA). A privacy-centric option with great app functionalities and nearly 200 Japanese servers.
- VyprVPN. Offers a unique Chameleon protocol for bypassing even the most stubborn geo-restrictions. While the exact number of Japanese servers is not disclosed, it has 700+ servers worldwide.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Research VPNs according to your preferences (gaming, streaming, or browsing needs) to find the one that meets all your needs.
Japanese Content You Can Watch With a VPN
A VPN unlocks a great many of Japanese entertainment beyond the global giants. Here’s some content you can’t access outside Japan:
- Streaming Services – Anime classics and new releases on services like dTV, U-NEXT, Hulu Japan, or Netflix Japan. Catch the latest dramas on services like Fuji TV On Demand or TV Asahi Douga.
- Local Shows and Movies – Enjoy locally-produced comedies, variety shows, and reality TV that never reach international audiences. You can even discover the next big kawaii (cute) mascot or laugh out loud at a hilarious stand-up comedy like Gaki No Tsukai.
- Exclusive Content – Regional licensing can restrict access to certain movies or shows. With a VPN, you can unlock content exclusive to Japan, like a documentary on the history of Japanese swords or a film adaptation of a popular manga series (One Piece and similar).
How to Get a Japanese IP Address
If you want to browse the Japanese web like a local, here’s how to get a Japanese IP address with a VPN:
Choose a secure VPN with Japanese servers
Due to a large Japanese server fleet, our top suggestion is NordVPN.Download and install VPN
Download the VPN app for your device and follow the installation steps.Connect to the Japanese Server
Once installed, open the VPN app, search for a Japanese server, and choose either Tokyo or Osaka.Double-check your IP is Japanese.
After connecting, go to an IP lookup tool and enter the IP address NordVPN assigned you. It should show a Japanese IP address, confirming your successful connection.
What Should I Look for in a VPN for Japan?
Japan’s online world offers a treasure trove of anime, games, and unique cultural experiences. But navigating it can be tricky. Here’s what to consider when picking the perfect VPN to unlock the full potential of the Japanese web:
- Servers in Japan – Look for a VPN with a large server network in Japan. This will guarantee a nearby connection for optimal speeds – very important for streaming your favorite shows without buffering.
- Speed and Stability – A fast and stable connection is what you want, especially as online gaming in Japan is huge. However, not all VPNs are engineered in the same way. A reliable VPN will have modern tunneling protocols like WireGuard for smooth gameplay without latency spikes, keeping you on top of your online competition.
- Security and Privacy – Choose a VPN with strong encryption protocols to keep your data secure and browsing private. Japanese government’s NOTICE program, which allows authorities broad access to internet-enabled devices with minimal oversight, raises questions for anyone who values a free and open internet.
- Ability to Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Are you craving Japanese Netflix content while traveling? Opt for a powerful VPN that bypasses geo-blocks, letting you access the full Japanese library just like a local.
- Good Value For Money – Compare VPNs’ pricing plans and features. Remember, the cheapest VPN option might not be the best. Look for features like unlimited data and unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you protect multiple devices at once.
Can I Use a Free Japan VPN?
Free VPNs may seem inviting, but they usually come with hidden costs and limits. Due to Japan’s expensive bandwidth, there aren’t many free server options, resulting in overloaded and slow servers. So, you most likely won’t get fast internet speed, which is critical for streaming or gaming.
That’s not all – free VPNs may also have limited data caps, intrusive ads, or even security issues. If you want to use a VPN that is truly safe and enjoyable for your Japanese internet experience, opt for reliable providers like Proton VPN with a free version or look for a reputable provider that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee. You can test the service risk-free before committing.
