It can be hard to choose a Japan VPN that will help you unblock Japanese games, TV shows, and Netflix. This guide will help you to find the best VPN so that you can find one that will assist you in bypassing many geo-restrictions in Japan.
Not only that, but this article will demonstrate how to get a Japanese IP address from anywhere in the world and discuss which VPNs are the best for helping you to do so.
There are so many reasons to use a VPN for Japan; from accessing geo-blocked Anime TV series and films, to enjoying privacy on public Wi-Fi networks in Japan, a VPN offers many benefits. Find out everything you need to know about VPNs for Japan here.
Whether you want to unblock Netflix Japan, change your location in Pokemon Go, or enjoy more privacy when connected to Japanese Wi-Fi networks, a VPN is a great tool to have. However, to make the most out of using your VPN in Japan, you need to ensure you choose one with specific features.
Firstly, you need to choose a VPN with servers in Japan. This will ensure that you can get a real Japanese IP address and change your virtual location if you’re in the US, Europe, or elsewhere. Make sure the VPN you choose has servers in cities like Tokyo and Osaka so you can get an actual IP at any time.
As well as many servers in Japan, you should ensure that the VPN you choose comes with features that enable fast connection speeds. These include fast tunneling protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, and private DNS on servers. This will ensure that you can get a good connection when streaming or gaming on a Japanese server.
A VPN for Japan also needs excellent security and privacy features. These include AES-256 bit encryption and a kill switch; this will ensure that if you’re connected to a server in Japan, none of your browsing data will ever be revealed.
Finally, you should choose a VPN that offers multi-platform support. This means you’ll be able to get a Japanese IP address on your phone, laptop, and even Smart TV. Ensuring that a VPN has all the features above will help you choose the best service.
Now that you know how to choose a Japan VPN for gaming, streaming, and more privacy, you can select one from our list below. We’ve handpicked the best services to make it easy for you to get one.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Japan. It offers more than 80 servers in Tokyo so that users can get a real Japanese IP address and access Japanese gaming servers. This also means you can unblock Netflix Japan and Tsutaya TV.
All of NordVPN’s Japanese servers come with great features. There is obfuscation on all servers, meaning your VPN usage won’t be detected as your surf the web with a Tokyo IP; this means you’re less likely to be blocked by certain sites for using a VPN.
NordVPN’s Japanese servers support P2P networking, which is great news if you want to torrent Anime series from abroad. Coupled with AES-256 bit encryption across all of NordVPN’s servers, you’ll ensure that your activity on torrents remains confidential.
Other privacy features include an assortment of secure protocols such as NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. There is also private DNS on all servers for additional protection. With a Japan VPN server connection over NordLynx, you’ll get the added benefit of fast connection speeds.
NordVPN has well-designed apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows; these apps aren’t our favorite, since the setup for them is a little lengthier than other VPNs, but they are relatively easy to use.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark is a powerful yet affordable VPN for Japan. It has 13 servers in Tokyo and more servers across the globe. All of Surfshark’s Japan servers offer the Camouflage mode which masks your VPN use and ensures you can bypass firewalls on restricted services like Netflix.
Surfshark’s Tokyo servers also come with great privacy features for security when streaming or gaming under a Japanese IP. There is private DNS to stop DNS requests leaking, and the option to use the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols. Not only will these protocols give you a secure connection, but it will be fast.
There is app support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux and browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. Fortunately, the Japanese servers are available on the browser extensions, meaning you can change your IP to Tokyo solely in your browser.
No matter how many devices you own, you can protect them all on a single subscription. Surfshark offers a rare unlimited simultaneous connections policy, meaning you can get a Japanese IP on all your devices.
You’ll be able to unblock plenty of Japanese streaming services, and access Japan gaming servers to compete against international opponents. Best of all, Surfshark’s no-log policy will ensure that all of your online activity when connected to a Japanese VPN server will remain private.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Limited payment options
Doesn't unblock BBC iPlayer
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
IPVanish is a reliable VPN that comes with a host of configurable features. There are more than 2,000 servers in its large network, including 20 servers in Japan, Tokyo. By connecting to one of these you’ll easily be able to unblock games, TV, and Netflix in Japan.
IPVanish is the best choice for privacy-conscious users. The VPN owns and operates its own servers, making it harder for third parties to infiltrate the network. Moreover, all servers come with AES-256 bit encryption and support for various protocols including WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec. With the OpenVPN protocol, you can scramble traffic to make your VPN more undetectable.
IPVanish offers apps for most devices with dedicated clients for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Firestick TV. You can use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices at any one time thanks to the unmetered connections policy.
With IPVanish, you can unblock a lot of Japanese streaming services. If you use Kodi, then IPVanish you can get Japanese versions of add-ons to enjoy local TV shows from outside Japan.
If you try the service and are not completely satisfied, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. Contact the customer service team, request your refund, and you’ll get all your money back.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is another contender for the title of the best VPN for Japan. The VPN has many servers in Asia, including locations in Japan. There are servers in Tokyo and Yokohama, meaning you have more options when it comes to choosing a Japanese IP address.
All ExpresVPN’s Japanese servers come with excellent security features. There is military-grade encryption, private DNS, and a host of secure protocols including Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2. For the fastest speeds when connecting to a server in Japan, we recommend using ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol.
Unblocking capabilities are second to none with ExpressVPN. Whether you want to watch Netflix Japan or change your location in the Hellotalk app to Japan, you can with ExpressVPN.
There are excellent, easy-to-navigate apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even routers. You can also use the VPN on Linux, but you’ll have to sacrifice a graphical-user interface.
The ExpressVPN browser extensions are more powerful than most and come with additional features like WebRTC leak blocking and HTTPS Everywhere.
One of the best features of ExpressVPN, is its excellent customer support which VPN experts operate. If you require assistance while setting up or using the VPN in Japan, you can expect an answer to your query in a matter of minutes.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 10 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Large server network
Support for torrenting on all servers
Bitcoin as payment option
Cons:
Limited features
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Netflix access issues
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another impressive VPN service that has servers in 84 countries including Japan. You’ll be able to unblock plenty of geo-restricted content in Japan with PIA from anywhere in the world.
The VPN comes with some advanced features which bode well for users wanting to connect to a Japanese server. Some of these features are beneficial for data-heavy activities that require fast speeds, like torrenting and streaming. You can use the SOCKS5 proxy and even port forwarding. You can also use AES-128 bit encryption instead of AES-256 bit encryption for faster speeds.
It is good to see that the PIA VPN apps are open-source. This means that developers can scrutinize the source code for weaknesses or vulnerabilities, keeping other users safe.
PIA offers 10 simultaneous device connections on a single subscription, which is double the industry average. There are apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, and Firefox. There are also manual setup tutorials if you need to use a VPN on your Wi-Fi router.
There is a built-in kill switch which is good news if you are torrenting in Japan. If the VPN connection drops, the kill switch will cut your internet connection. This ensures that your real IP address and sensitive data never become exposed.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free version
Fast server speeds
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Expensive paid plan
Based in USA (5 Eyes)
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Hotspot Shield offers servers in more than 80 countries including Japan. Whether you want to play games or stream Japanese movies with a local IP address, Hotspot Shield will enable you to do so seamlessly.
Connection speeds are extremely fast with Hotspot Shield, thanks to the VPN’s Catapult Hydra protocol. Say you connect to a Japanese server from the US; you’ll still be able to enjoy download speeds of over 30Mbps by using this protocol.
If you want to torrent on Japanese servers, you can as Hotspot Shield supports P2P networking. There is also a built-in AdBlock tool, to keep your device safe from adware and malicious sites while torrenting or browsing the web. If you live in Japan, then this is extremely useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
There is dedicated support for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. However, the VPN’s reliable on its own Catapult Hydra protocols means it’s not suitable for manual setup on these devices.
The premium version enables protection for up to 5 devices simultaneously, which should be sufficient for most users. However, some VPNs for Japan do offer support for more device connections.
To get a Japan IP address, you first need to sign up for a VPN subscription with one of the VPNs on our list above. After signing up for a subscription, download the VPN app onto your device.
Follow the app installation instructions. Once the VPN has finished installing, log into the app and open it up.
Find the location list and connect to a server in Japan.
When the Japanese server connection is active, you should have a real Japanese IP address. If you are living in Japan, and want internet privacy but to keep a Japanese IP address, make sure you use the fastest connection feature in the app; most VPNs offer an option like this.
It is very easy to change your region to Japan on Netflix. Once you have a VPN, you just need to connect to a VPN server in Japan and then visit the Netflix website or app. Your location should have automatically updated, giving you access to TV series and films that are only available on Netflix Japan.
If this method doesn’t work at first, try switching servers and closing the Netflix app or website. Once you have re-established a connection, visit the site again and it should have changed to Japan. You can also clear browser data to ensure that your previous browser activity isn’t affecting your VPN use.
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Japan, and there are no restrictions on their use. However, you need to be careful with what you do online while using a VPN. For example, sharing copyrighted material on torrent platforms is illegal and could land you in a heap of trouble if you’re caught doing so in Japan, more so if you are caught uploading content. You could face up to two years in jail.
We recommend only using a VPN in Japan for activities that you’d do without a VPN. Avoid illegal activity and you’ll be fine.
Japan is recognized as one of the freest countries in Asia when it comes to internet use. However, there are regulations that certain news sites have to follow which many say restrict freedom of speech. Moreover, journalists or whistleblowers who reveal state secrets in the interest of the public can receive harsh punishments.
For this reason, it seems that internet freedom in Japan is not as rife as perceived to be. By using a VPN you can share your thoughts online in Japan and ensure that you stay safe while doing so.
Without a doubt, the best free VPN service for Japan is ProtonVPN. The free version of ProtonVPN’s plan comes with advanced security features like AES-256 bit encryption and the use of secure protocols like OpenVPN. As well as this, there is unlimited bandwidth meaning you can use the VPN as often as you’d like to.
ProtonVPN has six free servers in Japan, and its app allows you to connect to one based on which offers the fastest speeds. Everything you do while connected to the VPN server will remain private since ProtonVPN’s free plan comes with a no-logs policy.
ProtonVPN isn’t the only free VPN for Japan. There are a few others like Tuxler VPN and Hola VPN. However, for the best experience, we recommend using Proton.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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