Best VPNs for Japan: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark Tested
23 VPNs reviewed3,400+ leak tests run1 featured partnerHow we test →
1Featured partnerBEST OVERALLExpressVPNFast, reliable, works in 105 countries. TrustedServer technology ensures no data touches a hard drive.From $3.49/moGet ExpressVPN NowWhy we picked it ↓
2BEST FOR STREAMINGNordVPNFastest speeds in our testing. NordLynx protocol. Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.From $3.09/moGet NordVPN NowWhy we picked it ↓
3BEST VALUESurfsharkUnlimited devices on one account. Competitive long-term pricing with CleanWeb ad blocker included.From $1.99/moGet Surfshark NowWhy we picked it ↓
ⓘLast reviewed: April 1, 2026
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🏆Best Japan VPN
Best Japan VPN
📌Introduction
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best for: Users who want the fastest, most reliable VPN experience and are willing to pay for it
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious users - ExpressVPN costs more than most competitors with no multi-year discount
Whether you are after access to geo-blocked Japan-exclusive TV, or looking for protection and security when you’re online, ExpressVPN is your best option.
Express is usually the fastest VPN, and with three different server locations available in Japan, you can guarantee fast speeds there too, as well as consistent streaming.
In terms of privacy features, ExpressVPN offers 256-AES encryption, numerous protocols, and security features, so you can tailor your experience to meet your specific needs. It has both a kill switch and Perfect Forward Secrecy also known as PFS, which creates a unique session key for each internet transaction, reducing the risk of your data being compromised and ensuring your online privacy.
That said, the most striking feature for most users will be the simplicity of the apps. Despite providing powerful configuration options and comprehensive features, the user-friendly interface means you can protect yourself with one click if you’re a newbie. We really appreciate Express’s commitment to user experience, which is the hallmark of their product.
You’ll also be able to access exclusive streaming services like TV Tokyo and Fuji TV – although non-residents of Japan may have to sign up again, even if they are already members.
ExpressVPN’s offers three subscription options, beginning with a monthly plan that costs $12.95 ✓ Mar 18, 2026 per month. The six-month plan costs $9.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026 per month, and
ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Having so many features in one super-easy package is why ExpressVPN tops our list as the best Japan VPN.
Best for: Large households or users with many devices - unlimited simultaneous connections on one account
Not ideal for: Users who need a long track record - Surfshark launched in 2018 and has fewer independent audits than established competitors
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 $1.99 ✓ Mar 18, 2026 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 ✓ Mar 18, 2026, paid in advance. The monthly plan comes in at $15.45 ✓ Mar 18, 2026. 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.
✗ Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best for: Users who want a full security suite - VPN, ad blocking, malware protection, and dark web monitoring in one app
Not ideal for: Linux power users who want a GUI app - NordVPN's Linux client is command-line only
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.
Best for: Kodi and Fire TV Stick users - IPVanish has deep integration with both platforms
Not ideal for: Users outside the US - IPVanish's server network is heavily US-focused with fewer international locations
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.
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.
Our Verdict
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.
Every VPN on this page goes through the same independent testing process. No provider pays for a ranking. ExpressVPN is our featured partner (clearly disclosed), but that relationship does not influence the testing methodology applied to every other provider on this page.
🔎
Leak tests
IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leak detection using our own testing tool
⚡
Speed tests
Download, upload, and latency measurements across multiple server locations
🎥
Streaming access
Testing against Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other major services
📜
Privacy policy review
Jurisdiction analysis, logging policy audit, and independent audit verification
💻
App quality
Usability testing on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions
💰
Value assessment
Price per month, money-back guarantee terms, and feature-to-cost ratio
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?
To get a Japanese IP address, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the simplest and most dependable method. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and directs it through a server in Japan, giving the impression that you’re browsing from within the country. Several good VPN options provide servers in Japan, including all of the ones mentioned on this list.
How to watch Japanese TV in Japan?
To watch Japanese TV online from Japan, you can utilize a VPN to access streaming services that might have geographical restrictions. Follow these steps:
Sign up for one of the VPN services on this list – all of them have servers in Japan.
Download and install the VPN app on your device.
Launch the VPN app and connect to a server located in Japan to acquire a Japanese IP address.
Once connected, visit your preferred Japanese streaming service and begin binging!
ExpressVPN
Fast, reliable, works in 105 countries. TrustedServer technology ensures no data touches a hard drive.
From $3.49/mo
Get ExpressVPN Now
Why we picked it ↓
NordVPN
Fastest speeds in our testing. NordLynx protocol. Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
From $3.09/mo
Get NordVPN Now
Why we picked it ↓
Surfshark
Unlimited devices on one account. Competitive long-term pricing with CleanWeb ad blocker included.
From $1.99/mo
Get Surfshark Now
Why we picked it ↓
