Best Japan VPN

Introduction

Would you like a VPN to access geo-blocked video content or streaming services? In this article, we will walk you through the best VPNs for Japan, with a focus on security and speed in addition to being compatible with popular streaming services.

An encrypted virtual private network (VPN) is a privacy tool that can make users’ online activities anonymous and untraceable. Using VPN servers that provide a new IP address, users can unblock geo-restricted content on their favorite streaming platforms, and avoid censorship from internet service providers (ISPs), malicious third parties, and government agencies.

 

Quick Guide to Choosing a VPN for Japan

Japan has one of the highest levels of internet connectivity globally, with 91 percent of its citizens online. Local and foreign tourists alike turn to VPN services to stay connected during their travels.

Japan has a constitution that guarantees freedom of speech and low government surveillance and internet censorship levels. Among many countries assessed as free of internet restrictions, Japan is one of the most open.

When choosing a VPN for Japan, two important factors to consider are:

1. Server locations in Japan. Look for a VPN that offers multiple server locations within the country to ensure the best performance and access to Japanese content.
2. Strong encryption and privacy features. Be sure that your VPN provider prioritizes security with robust encryption protocols and a strict no-logs policy.

It is important to avoid VPNs that have a history of data breaches or unreliable connection speeds.

• ExpressVPN (Best Premium VPN for Japan)
• Surfshark (Best All-In-One VPN for Japan)
• NordVPN (Best Android VPN for Japan)
• IPVanish (Best Windows VPN for Japan)

An Overview of Japan

For newcomers or non-natives with a lack of knowledge about Japanese data laws, here is some information to help you comply with the law.

This information is particularly valuable if you choose a VPN provider with a local presence in Japan.

Jurisdiction Characteristics
Political culture	Democracy
Main IT hub location	Tokyo
Data protection registration	Not required
Data protection officers appointment	Not required
Data transfer to 3rd party disclosure	Consent needed
Unlawful disclosure of sensitive information	10% of the company’s annual domestic turnover
VPN allowance	Should be reported
Downloading copyrighted content	Not allowed. For uploading the punishment is up to ten-years imprisonment, and up to two years for downloading.

Detailed Overview of the Best VPN for Japan

There are several things to consider when choosing a VPN for Japan. Are privacy and security necessary across all your devices, or only your phone or PC? Is streaming international content a priority for you? Do you need a lot of additional features, or is a basic VPN enough? Will you be traveling and using WiFi hotspots at the airport, hotels, or cafes?

If streaming is a priority, you’ll want to choose a VPN like ExpressVPN with a large number of servers, and that can reliably unblock Netflix Japan, as well as many other Netflix libraries and other streaming services. If data protection is of utmost importance, then NordVPN is a good choice with its many features.

It’s a good idea to avoid most free VPNs as they can be full of problems. Most of the VPNs on this list have 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them before you buy.

When you are clear on what you require, have a look at these VPN products we found to be the best.

Strengths	Weaknesses
+Streaming and downloading at high speeds abroad	-Some servers might be slow
+Simultaneous connections are unlimited	-It is a less established brand than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
+Unblocks the majority of streaming sites
+No-log policy
+Protection against threats
+Low price

In our full Surfshark review, we said this reliable VPN impressed us with its blend of power and value as the best all-in-one VPN for Japan. Compared to ExpressVPN, it’s not as in-depth, but for its low price, it’s a great choice. Viewers can watch Fuji TV, TV Tokyo, HBO, Wowow TV, Prime Video, Showtime, and Netflix, among other channels. With 56 servers in Japan, as well as server locations across the globe, Surfshark is great whether you’re looking to stream anime or Japanese content from outside Japan, or looking to access international streaming sites from within the country.

Also, Surfshark’s user-friendly interface is designed to make it easy for anyone to start using it. It has protocol switching and a kill switch under the surface, but anyone can use these apps.

This VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can also connect it on as many devices as you’d like.

Surfshark’s main selling point is its low price: only $2.19/mo despite its great features if you choose the two-year Surfshark Starter plan (with 3 months free) and pay it all in advance. The yearly plan (also with 3 months free) is only a little more expensive, at $2.79/mo, paid in advance. The monthly plan comes in at $15.45/mo. As a result, it is one of the cheapest VPNs in the market and costs half as much as some of its more expensive competitors.

Surfshark might be the right choice for you if you are looking for the best Japan VPN at the lowest possible price.

Read our full Surfshark review here.

Worst:

Does not have a split tunneling feature, so you can’t choose what goes through the VPN and what doesn’t.

Pros	Cons
+Access to Netflix on multiple servers	-macOS app has some bugs
+Great mobile apps (perfect for travelers)	-Static IP Addresses
+6 simultaneous connections allowed	-No split-tunneling
+More than 150 servers in Japan

NordVPN is an extraordinarily popular VPN and a great choice for nearly any internet user in any country. Users in Japan will be happy to know that NordVPN is not subject to any of the three international surveillance bodies (Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes), so they’ll never have to worry about the company handing over their data to authorities. Add to that their excellent encryption protocols, malware protection to keep you safe, even on public WiFi, a kill switch feature, and DNS leak protection, and you see why people love NordVPN.

NordVPN also offers obfuscation technology that can help you bypass firewalls or the geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. It also has excellent download speeds on both Mac and Windows.  Although it works reasonably well with MacOS, if you’re looking for a VPN that caters to Mac users, check out our best VPN for Mac page.

NordVPN’s ratings on the Apple App Store and Google Play store are some of the highest in the lot of VPNs we’ve reviewed. With 4.6 out of five and 4.2 out of five, respectively, NordVPN perfectly positions itself to be a favorite among travelers using iPhones or Android devices.

While traveling in Japan, users might be disappointed to miss out on geo-restricted shows and movies overseas. Thanks to NordVPN, many of their servers allow access to international Netflix libraries while in Japan, as well as the ability to access Japanese Netflix while outside the country.

NordVPN is known for its commitment to user security. NordVPN doesn’t log or collect information such as websites visited, web browsing history, or files downloaded. As a provider of a reliable, secure, and trusted VPN, NordVPN consistently excels.

Read our full NordVPN review here.

Strengths	Weaknesses
+It offers 20 fast Japan servers	-Relatively small server network
+Security is a top priority	-Some people may be frustrated by the complexity
+Supports torrenting
+No-logs policy
+Unique interface
+An unlimited number of simultaneous connections

As soon as you open IPVanish, you’ll see why this is among our top choices. It’s totally different from its competitors, and we appreciate its ability to be stereotypically ‘techy.’

IPVanish has 20 servers in Tokyo, which makes it a solid option for accessing Japanese Netflix from abroad.

IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, something that is uncommon, and that we really appreciate.

Read our full IPVanish review here.

Why Use a VPN for Japan?

A VPN is a service that encrypts your connection, making it seem like you’re browsing from a different location. This enhances anonymity and enables access to restricted content.

Using a VPN in Japan offers several advantages. Firstly, it encrypts your online traffic, protecting your browsing privacy. Secondly, it allows access to international streaming content unavailable in Japan. Thirdly, it defeats ISP throttling, ensuring faster internet speeds. Fourthly, it enhances safety while torrenting by making your activity untraceable. Lastly, it helps access English-language websites for non-Japanese speakers.

Choosing a suitable VPN for Japan can be challenging. Look for servers in Japan, fast and reliable connections, and compatibility with various devices. Strong security features like encryption and a no-logs policy are crucial. Avoid VPNs with weak security, slow speeds, or a history of data breaches, as well as those that fail to unblock streaming services.

How to Get Started Using a VPN for Japan

To install ExpressVPN for Japan, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for an ExpressVPN account and select a subscription plan.
2. Log in to your ExpressVPN account through the account dashboard.
3. Click on the “Download” button to obtain the ExpressVPN app compatible with your operating system.
4. Keep the browser window open as you will require the activation code during the setup.
5. Install the ExpressVPN app by following the setup instructions provided for your specific device.
6. When prompted, enter the activation code from the previous step.
7. Connect to a server located in Japan if you wish to access Japanese content. Alternatively, choose a server in another country for international content.
8. Enjoy fast and secure internet browsing with ExpressVPN.

Wrapping Up

When choosing a VPN, security, and streaming are the top priorities for most people. We want to be able to stream our favorite shows on Hulu or Japanese Netflix without lag, and we also want to ensure that our data and online activities remain private and protected. All of the VPNs on this list performed well in speed tests so they won’t cause buffering while you are trying to watch your favorite shows.

VPNs hide your online activity from prying eyes, and it’s worthwhile to pay special attention to addressing vulnerabilities like WebRTC leaks and potential DNS compromises. Strong encryption methods, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and AES-256, are essential for maximum security. Dynamic IP addressing and a VPN kill switch further enhance privacy and prevent tracking. Also, consider the VPN provider’s data logging policy and location to avoid issues in countries with strict privacy laws. Transparent pricing, good VPN apps, and reliable customer support are also important factors in selecting a VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it legal to use a VPN in Japan?

In Japan, using a VPN is generally legal and individuals as well as businesses have the freedom to utilize VPNs for various purposes, such as safeguarding online privacy, ensuring secure online transactions, and accessing restricted websites. However, using a VPN to bypass copyright laws is illegal in the country.

Which is the best VPN to use with Japanese VPN servers?

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish are the top VPN choices for accessing Japanese servers. Here’s why:

ExpressVPN has fast speeds, strong encryption, and great streaming capabilities.

NordVPN has a wide server network with servers in Japan and 60 other countries, as well as advanced security features like Double VPN.

Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with fast speeds and strong security features with unlimited simultaneous connections.

IPVanish has 20 VPN servers in Tokyo, Japan, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections, and personalizable security features like a kill switch and multiple VPN protocols.
Any of these would be a good choice, and it all comes down to your personal needs.

How do I get a Japanese IP address?

How to watch Japanese TV in Japan?