The 5 Best VPNs for Japan in 2022
Installing a VPN is one of the best precautionary measures you can take toward protecting your online anonymity and curbing digital surveillance. In Japan, it’s especially important that Internet users protect themselves with a trusted VPN to keep watchful eyes at bay.
The best thing about using a VPN in Japan is the level of security and privacy it affords you. When you connect to a Japanese server, your traffic will be encrypted, ensuring that no one can snoop on your online activities. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi hotspots, as they are often unsecured and unprotected.
A VPN will also allow you to bypass any government censorship and access blocked websites, such as those related to news or social media.
Additionally, if you’re a foreigner living in Japan, a VPN can be used to access geo-restricted content from your home country, such as US Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
American and western intelligence agencies such as the NSA work closely with Japan and their Directorate for Signals Intelligence. All personal data collected by Japanese signals intelligence authorities are shared with the NSA and the entire Five Eyes Alliance.
So, I decided why not give you an overview of the best VPN for Japan and especially for the 5 main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa).
We tested a lot of VPNs and out of those we recommended the top 5 VPNs for Japan.
5 Best VPNs for Japan: Quick Summary
- ExpressVPN: Dedicated Router App | Best Price: $6.67/mo on a 1-year plan.
- NordVPN: Large Server Network | Best Price: $3.99/mo on a 2-year plan.
- Surfshark: Unlimited Connections | Best Price: $2.49/mo .
- CyberGhost: User-Friendly App | Best Price: $2.29/mo .
- IPVanish: Dynamic Shared IPs | Best Price: $3.99/mo .
Wondering how to get Japanese IP Address? Redirect here!
5 Best VPNs for Japan: In-Depth Analysis
We have selected these top 5 best VPNs for Japan on the basis of speed, security, streaming support, customer service, no-logs policy, and pricing.
1. ExpressVPN: 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries (3 in Japan)
ExpressVPN offers one of the fastest and most reliable VPN connections for Japanese users with an average speed of 460 Mbps in the Asia region.
Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is subject to the laws of this independent state and is not beholden to Five Eyes authorities.
There are three discrete servers stationed in Tokyo to help Japanese ExpressVPN users enjoy the fastest speeds possible. Plus, ExpressVPN lets users enjoy premium anonymous content by Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.
The monthly plan of ExpressVPN costs $12.95. Other plans include a 6-month plan that costs $9.99/mo., and a 1-year plan that costs $6.67/mo. On top of that you can get 30-days of ExpressVPN service completely free. The free-trial gives you ample time to use and assess ExpressVPN for your personal needs. If you don’t like it, you’ll get your money-back without any questions asked.
With a single ExpressVPN plan, you can connect up to 5 devices at the same time.
Your data will be protected with the AES 256-bit encryption system and protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway.
Other features of ExpressVPN include a built-in kill switch, split-tunneling, MediaStreamer, a dedicated app for routers, and 24/7 live chat support.
ExpressVPN is compatible on all the major operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Best of all, ExpressVPN has a stellar track record regarding its no-log data protection policy, which foreign authorities were unable to access upon a server seizure.
- Ultra-fast connection speeds.
- Three dedicated Japanese servers.
- Great customer support.
- More expensive than competitors.
For more information, check out this full review of ExpressVPN!
2. NordVPN: 5600+ Servers in 59+ Countries (80 in Japan)
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider where there are no data retention laws. So you don’t have to worry about your online activities being monitored or logged.
The best thing about NordVPN is that it offers a very high level of security. It uses the most up-to-date security protocols, such as IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx, which is NordVPN’s custom VPN protocol based on WireGuard.
NordVPN offers an average connection speed of 300 Mbps in the Asia region which is why it is great for streaming your favorite movies and TV shows in high-quality resolution.
With a total count of 5600+ servers in 59+ countries, NordVPN can easily unblock major streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
And you can easily download and install NordVPN on your device as it is compatible with a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
A single NordVPN subscription plan can be used on 6 different devices at the same time. So you can easily cover all your devices including your laptop, phone, or tablet. And if you set up NordVPN on your router, it will count as a single connection.
Other NordVPN features include DoubleVPN, CyberSec, 24/7 customer support, Threat Protection, DNS leak protection, and Onion over VPN.
NordVPN plans include a monthly plan that costs $11.99, a 1-year plan that costs $4.99/mo., and a 2-year plan that costs $3.99/mo. You can also try the 7-day free trial of NordVPN before making any buying decision.
- Large server network.
- Dedicated IP address.
- Optimized servers for streaming platforms.
- Limited number of P2P servers.
For more information, check out this full review of NordVPN!
3. Surfshark: 3200+ Servers in 65+ Countries (2 in Japan)
The amazing thing about Surfshark is that it has no limits on simultaneous connections. This means you can connect to as many devices as you want. All you need to do is download and install the VPN app.
And that shouldn’t be a problem as Surfshark offers dedicated apps for almost all the majorly used operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Relatively new to the market is Surfshark, with dedicated Japanese servers as part of their 63-country network. Unlike other prominent VPN services in Japan, Surfshark passed an independent audit by Cure53 that found that it did not log its users’ personal data.
It encrypts your traffic with the AES 256-bit system, protects against DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks, and offers a built-in kill switch to cut off your internet whenever the VPN drops accidentally.
Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which protects all saved data from seizure or collection by UK authorities. On top of that, Surfshark never fails to unblock US Netflix and British Netflix services for Japanese users.
Other streaming platforms include BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
Offering the most reasonable VPN deals, Surfshark subscribers in Japan can take advantage of speedy connection times and a host of premium HTTPS security services. The average speed of Surfshark is 400 Mbps in the Asia region.
Surfshark offers 3 plans including a monthly plan that costs $12.95, a 1-year plan that costs $3.99/mo., and a 2-year plan that costs $2.49/mo. It includes a free-trial period of 7-days or 30 days that you can avail to understand the features of Surfshark.
- The unlimited number of devices supported.
- No data logging.
- Dedicated Tokyo servers.
- Slow customer support responses.
For more information, check out this full review of Surfshark!
4. CyberGhost: 6000+ Servers in 88 Countries (50 in Japan)
A great choice for HD/4K streaming, Cyberghost VPN services offers lightning-fast connections for Japanese users thanks to its 50+ servers housed in the country. Cyberghost is one of the few VPN services that doesn’t log customer data.
If you’re looking for a highly secure service to stream HBO, Hulu, Netflix, or merely torrent files anonymously in Japan, Cyberghost is a can’t-lose choice.
CyberGhost protects your data with its military-grade 256-bit encryption system and protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. The average speed of CyberGhost in the Asia region is 316 Mbps.
Other main features of CyberGhost include a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, DNS & IP leak protection, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and ad blocking.
You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with a single CyberGhost account and the provider offers a VPN app for all the operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
CyberGhost offers 4 plans: A monthly plan that costs $12.99, a 1-year plan that costs $4.29/mo., a 2-year plan that costs $3.25/mo., and a 3-year plan that costs $2.29/mo.
- Zero IP leaks.
- Allows seven simultaneous connections.
- Secure Romanian headquarters.
- No third-party audits yet.
For more information, check out this full review of CyberGhost!
5. IPVanish: 2000+ Servers in 75 Countries (20 in Japan)
IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider that offers high-speed servers in over 75 countries, including Japan.
It provides an average speed of 450 Mbps in the Asia region and offers 5 servers in a single location; Tokyo.
What’s great about IPVanish is that it has no limits on simultaneous connection. So you’ll be able to connect all your devices with a single subscription plan.
IPVanish provides an app for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Also, you can use the manual setup process to configure the VPN on your Linux system or router.
The provider offers features like split tunneling, kill switch, SOCKS5 proxy, shared IP addresses, 24/7 support, DNS leak protection, and a 30-day money-back guarantee offer on the 1-year plan.
With a decent pool of servers, IPVanish can easily unblock streaming libraries of Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Currently, IPVanish is offering 3 plans. There is a monthly plan that costs $10.99, a quarterly (3-month) plan that costs $5.32/mo., and a yearly plan that costs $3.99/mo.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- SOCKS5 proxy.
- Strict no-logs policy.
- Lack of optimized servers.
For more information, check out this full review of IPVanish!
Why Do You Need a VPN in Japan?
The Japanese government is staunchly anti-privacy, as evidenced by the news of its becoming the “sixth eye” of the 5 Eyes Alliance including Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and the UK.
This raises our concerns about the government’s involvement in internet surveillance of its citizens.
In recent years, there have been several reports of the government monitoring people’s online activities.
That’s why we think it’s important for everyone in Japan to use a VPN.
A VPN encrypts your online traffic and assigns you a fake IP address, making it impossible for your ISP or the government to track you online.
It keeps you away from organizations like the NSA that are looking to collect your data.
Additionally, a VPN allows you to access region-restricted content from anywhere in the world.
For example, you can use a VPN to unblock Netflix US and watch your favorite shows that are not available in Japan.
If you use public Wi-Fi hotspots, a VPN also protects you from hackers who might be looking to steal your personal data.
Will a VPN Protect You from Japan’s Privacy Laws?
In short, yes. Japan’s restrictive privacy and counter-terrorism legislation expand the state’s authority to collect and share personal data. However, effective no-log VPN services mask users’ IP addresses to essentially anonymize their location and personal identity.
How to Get Japanese IP Address
Getting a Japanese IP address is fairly easy if you have a VPN that has a local Japanese server. The VPN is then able to simply change your actual IP address while encrypting your internet traffic. To make the process as easy as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Subscribe and download a reliable VPN. I would suggest ExpressVPN, thanks to its 3000+
servers (3 Japanese) making it get any IP address. - Install the software on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in Japan.
- Go on to any Japanese service or website you want to visit.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Japan
We considered the following factors while choosing the best VPNs for Japan.
Japanese Servers
If you live in Japan and traveling abroad, you need a VPN with servers in Japan.
That way, you can access region-restricted content of your hometown from anywhere in the world.
And even if you’re in Japan, a VPN with Japanese servers comes in handy to hide your real IP address from ISP or other concerned authorities.
Total Server Count
The more servers a VPN has, the better. A large server network ensures that you’re never left without a working server.
And it also comes in handy to unblock geo-restricted content from around the world.
Security and Privacy
As we mentioned earlier, the Japanese government is not very privacy-friendly.
That’s why it’s important to use a VPN that has robust security features like military grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and state-of-the-art VPN protocols.
Also, make sure your VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy in place to protect your privacy.
Speed and Performance
A VPN may slow down your internet connection because of the encryption process. When a VPN encrypts your data, it has to go through multiple checkpoints which can decrease the performance speed.
That’s why it’s important to use a fast VPN service like ExpressVPN that offers high-speed servers in Japan.
Other features include split tunneling and a kill switch to further improve your internet experience.
Pricing
Go for a VPN service that offers affordable pricing plans without compromising on features or performance. The provider should also offer a free trial or money-back guarantee so that you can try out the service risk-free.
Customer Service
24/7 customer support will help you with all the issues that you may face while using the service. Most VPN providers offer live chat support to solve the problems of users in real-time.
Also, there should be clear and concise setup guides and FAQs to help users with the installation processes.
Which free VPN is best for Japan?
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Japan.
It offers 3 server locations with its free plan including the US, Netherlands, and Japan.
The amazing thing is that there are no data limits. And you won’t have to worry about your data being logged or tracked as it has a private logging policy.
ProtonVPN’s kill switch tool works with the free plan and you won’t have to provide any payment details to use the VPN app.
However, the VPN provider doesn’t work on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. It also doesn’t support torrenting.
So if you only need a VPN for light web browsing or to unblock websites, ProtonVPN is a great option.
But if you need a VPN for more intensive tasks like streaming and torrenting, you can have few of the free VPNs for Japan.
FAQs on Best VPN for Japan
Does NordVPN work in Japan?
Yes, thanks to its wide array of servers operating in nearly [server_country_count id="611"] countries, NordVPN is easily accessible in Japan on all major devices such as Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, and iOS.
Can I watch American Netflix in Japan?
Yes, although users will need a potent VPN that can give them seamless access to a US server. Once you have the service, connect to a US server of your choice and start browsing.
How can I use a VPN in Japan?
Since VPNs are not banned in Japan, it is remarkably easy to get any VPN of your choice. After that, all users need is to subscribe to the service and download its client on the device of their choice. Then simply log in and connect a server of your choice.
Are VPNs legal in Japan?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Japan.
How much is a VPN for Japan?
The best VPN for Japan is ExpressVPN and the best deal costs [get_price id="16919"]. NordVPN and Surfshark are the second-best options.
Is VPN allowed in Japan?
Yes, the use of VPNs in Japan is legal. There are not many restrictions on online content in Japan. But using a VPN is still necessary as it hides your online identity from your ISP, hackers, and government authorities.
Why does Japan use VPN?
Japan has the harshest protocols for torrenting. Filesharing is difficult and you cannot stay safe online while performing your torrenting operation.
This is why a VPN is necessary to keep your online identity anonymous and carry out your activities smoothly.
Wrapping Things Up
We suggest opting for a highly secure and competitively priced VPN service to mask your internet usage in Japan. That’s why we decided on ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Japan – it’s secure, it’s fast, it’s affordable; in short an all-rounder!
