Best VPN for Japan – Safeguard Your Online Privacy

Are you traveling to Japan but feeling frustrated by geo-restrictions that block your usual home country shows? Or do Japan’s strong connections with American and Western intelligence agencies, like the NSA bother you?

After all, any personal data gathered by Japanese intelligence authorities is shared with both the NSA and the complete Five Eyes Alliance. You’re not alone. Fortunately, there is a one-stop solution for both these problems: using the best VPN for Japan.

By using a reliable VPN, you can access global content and establish a secure pathway to enjoy your favorite shows, safeguarding your traffic from both ISPs and unwanted surveillance. Similarly, you use it to get a Japanese IP address and watch Japanese content safely and securely.

In a country where 92% of the population is online, Japan’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving. While internet controls and surveillance are relatively moderate, this situation could shift at any moment, making VPN adoption increasingly popular among residents and tourists alike.

A VPN offers encryption for online traffic, enabling access to worldwide content and preserving your privacy through data routing via selected servers.

Following thorough testing, we’ve determined that ExpressVPN stands out as one of the fastest, most secure, and dependable VPN options for users in Japan. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of each provider that we believe fits the criteria for the best VPN in Japan.

Best VPN for Japan – Quick Overview

Best VPNs for Japan – at a Glance

Here are some key facts about the best VPN for Japan:

Provider	Rating	Server Count	Servers in Japan	Nearby Server Countries	No-Logs Policy	Independent Audit and Verification	Obfuscation Servers	Unblocks Streaming Services	Simultaneous Connections	Price	Free-Trial	Money-back Guarantee
	5/5	3000+	1	Hong Kong, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	8	JPY 989 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan)	7 days for mobile	30 days
	4.94/5	3200	62	Hong Kong, Macau, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unlimited	JPY 369.21 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	7 days for mobile	30 days
	4.87/5	5600+	130+	Hong Kong, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Unlimited	JPY 591.62 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)	No free trial	30 days
	4.78/5	6000++	109+	Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	7	JPY 339.55 /mo (US$ 2.29 /mo ) 79% Discount	1 day for PC & Mac, 3 days for Android, 7 days for iOS	45 days
	4.51/5	2,200+	1	Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unlimited	JPY 591.62 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) 69% Off	7 days for mobile	30 days

5 Best VPNs For Japan in 2023 [ In-depth Analysis ]

We have selected these top 5 best VPN for Japan on the basis of speed, security, streaming support, customer service, no-logs policy, and pricing.

1. ExpressVPN: The Overall Best VPN for Japan

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Japan, offering comprehensive security, anonymity, and online protection. It boasts strong unblocking capabilities with over 3000 + servers distributed across 94 countries, including 1 server location in Japan, ensuring seamless access to both local and global content.

When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN can rightly be called the Best streaming VPN. With unlimited bandwidth, you can enjoy buffer-free streaming of platforms like Korean TV, Viaplay, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix with ExpressVPN. Additionally, its P2P-optimized servers support high-speed torrenting.

We effortlessly bypassed restrictions on Netflix Japan using ExpressVPN Japan servers.

ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast servers operate on the Lightway protocol, ensuring top-tier streaming, uninterrupted browsing, and unlimited torrenting. During our ExpressVPN speed tests on its Japanese servers, we achieved an impressive download speed of 89.26 Mbps and an upload speed of 85.12 Mbps.

ExpressVPN’s Japanese servers provided excellent speeds.

In terms of compatibility, the service provides ExpressVPN apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux devices. With the Android app, you can secure your smartphones and tablets. Simultaneous connections of up to 8 devices are supported, and you can even install ExpressVPN on Firestick, routers, and game console. ExpressVPN works on Kodi, and other similar devices.

ExpressVPN prioritizes security and privacy, employing AES-256-bit encryption, Threat Manager, and TrustedServer technology. It includes a kill switch, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy, ensuring data protection and online safety.

ExpressVPN can automatically connect you to the fastest and most optimal servers in your chosen location. It also guards against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Performing a DNS and IP leak assessment with ExpressVPN demonstrated its strong commitment to user safety, effectively safeguarding our data throughout the entire testing period.

ExpressVPN DNS and IP leak test results were promising.

You can subscribe to ExpressVPN, the best VPN for Japan, at a price of JPY 989 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan) for an annual plan. This package includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Additionally, a 7-day ExpressVPN Free Trial is available to try out its services.

ExpressVPN is a top choice for best streaming experience specially for live sport. Cricket fans are all excited to catch up on going Asia Cup on Hotstar and other platforms. Not to forget watching India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Final 2023 in Japan easily once you have this reliable VPN subscription.

For user assistance, ExpressVPN provides 24/7 live chat and email support. For more detailed information, refer to our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.

2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Japan

Surfshark stands out as an Affordable VPN for Japan, providing a robust network of 3200 servers spanning 65 countries. It boasts a significant presence in Japan, with a notable 62+ servers stationed in key Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Sapporo. With an impressively budget-friendly cost of JPY 369.21 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), Surfshark offers exceptional value as one of the cheapest VPNs on the market.

By utilizing Surfshark’s Tokyo server, we effortlessly bypassed geo-restrictions on Japan-exclusive content, enjoying seamless streaming without any lag or inconvenience.

Accessing restricted Japanese content was seamless using Surfshark’s Tokyo server!

Surfshark is the best Tokyo VPN as its Japanese servers flawlessly access geo-blocked Japanese content, such as streaming platforms like AbemaTV, Hulu Japan, and WOWOW. It particularly shines as the ideal VPN for accessing Japanese streaming services. Additionally, you can leverage its global servers to unblock international content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Hulu with Surfshark.

For those interested in watching events like the Sumo Wrestling Championship, Surfshark provides optimal Japanese servers for smooth streaming, ensuring a buffer-free experience. You can also unblock multiple regional variants of Netflix with Surfshark.

Surfshark’s Speed Test results revealed that its Japanese servers yielded download speeds of 81.32 Mbps and upload speeds of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, guaranteeing high-quality video playback without interruptions.

Surfshark’s Japanese servers delivered impressive speeds.

Setting up Surfshark is effortless on popular operating systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS. Its compatibility extends to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles, enabling simultaneous usage. Enjoy Japanese streaming services on larger screens by installing Surfshark on Smart TVs, FireStick, Roku, and Kodi devices.

Moreover, Surfshark ensures your online security with features like an internet kill switch, MultiHop, AES-256-Bit encryption, CleanWeb, and secure DNS, ensuring complete privacy and security. Notably, Surfshark supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with a single subscription.

Conducting a DNS and IP leak test on Surfshark demonstrated its commitment to user safety, effectively protecting our data throughout the testing period.

Surfshark successfully passed our DNS and IP leak testing.

In addition to its attractive pricing, Surfshark offers a week-long Surfshark free trial for mobile users and extends a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users, allowing risk-free exploration of the service. Cancelling Surfshark is hassle-free, making it an enticing option.

For a comprehensive exploration of Surfshark’s capabilities, refer to our detailed Surfshark review.

3. NordVPN: Large Network VPN for Japan

NordVPN is distinguished as a Large Network VPN for Japan, showcasing an extensive server network encompassing over 5600 servers in 59. It is the best VPN for Japan servers and features an abundance of Japanese servers, totaling 130+ across key cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Sapporo. Famed for its cutting-edge security and privacy features, NordVPN provides an unparalleled solution.

We leveraged NordVPN’s Tokyo server to effortlessly overcome geographical restrictions and access Japanese services like NHK World. Streaming our preferred content was a seamless and enjoyable experience, free from lags or interruptions.

Unlocking U-Next was a breeze with NordVPN’s Japanese (Tokyo) server.

Beyond Japan’s borders, NordVPN’s diverse network empowers users to access popular Japanese streaming channels like AbemaTV, Hulu Japan, TV Tokyo, and TBS. Additionally, NordVPN facilitates IP address changes to regions like the United States for accessing American streaming channels and websites.

NordVPN subscriptions allow up to 6 simultaneous connections, enabling easy NordVPN setup on Linux and other leading operating systems including MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Its broad compatibility allows installation of NordVPN on Firestick and extends to devices such as Kodi, Smart TVs, routers, gaming consoles, computers, smartphones, and more.

NordVPN Speed Test results demonstrate that while NordVPN prioritizes security, it maintains impressive speed performance. Our tests revealed download speeds of 83.82 Mbps and upload speeds of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

Streaming content at these speeds on NordVPN’s Japanese servers was flawless.

In terms of security and privacy, NordVPN excels as one of the best no-logs VPNs, employing military-grade AES-256-Bit encryption, a strict zero-log policy, Multi-factor authentication, and double VPN protection.

Private DNS on each server prevents data leaks, and obfuscated servers ensure that your ISP can’t detect VPN usage, making activities like torrenting with NordVPN safe. Our Japanese IP remained secure throughout our testing with this VPN.

Conducting a DNS and IP leak test on NordVPN demonstrated its commitment to user safety, effectively safeguarding our data throughout the testing period.

NordVPN successfully passed DNS and IP leak testing.

Experience top-tier security, privacy, and Japanese IP addresses for unblocking content with NordVPN, available at JPY 591.62 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), supported by a comprehensive 30-day money-back guarantee. Mobile users can take advantage of NordVPN’s 7-day free trial on iOS and Android devices.

For a comprehensive understanding of this VPN’s capabilities, explore our detailed NordVPN review.

4. CyberGhost: User-friendly Japan VPN

CyberGhost is a User-friendly Japan VPN, featuring dedicated apps compatible with Linux, Windows, Android, Firestick, Smart TVs, PS4, Xbox, routers, and more. Its reputation as the best VPN for iPad comes as no surprise.

The service boasts a substantial collection of 109 servers in Japan, a part of its 6000+ servers spread across 88 countries. Whether your activities involve streaming, torrenting, or simple browsing, CyberGhost offers comprehensive coverage.

In Japan, users can unblock local channels such as TV Tokyo, AbemaTV, and TBS via CyberGhost’s Japanese servers. On the global front, the service ensures seamless streaming on platforms like Hulu, YouTube, and others. You can also use CyberGhost with Netflix to unblock different regional libraries of the world’s largest streaming service and expand your content pool.

CyberGhost effortlessly unblocks content using its Japanese servers.

Our CyberGhost speed test yielded an average download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection when utilizing its servers.

CyberGhost Provided excellent streaming speeds with its Japanese servers.

Despite being a reliable Japan VPN for PC, CyberGhost supports a variety of devices allowing 7 simultaneous connections per account. It incorporates vital security features including AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and a No Logs Policy.

Through a DNS and IP leak test on CyberGhost, the commitment to user safety was evident, effectively securing our data during testing, making it the best VPN Japan for user safety.

CyberGhost successfully passed our DNS and IP leak testing.

Priced at JPY 339.55 /mo (US$ 2.29 /mo ) 79% Discount and featuring a 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost offers an affordable option. A free trial further allows exploration of its offerings.

For an in-depth understanding of its capabilities, delve into our comprehensive CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish: Safe and Fast Japanese VPN

IPVanish presents itself as a Secure and Rapid Japanese VPN, offering an exceptional online experience through its robust server network and advanced capabilities.

With a widespread server network of over 2200 servers worldwide, including an impressive 50+ servers within Japan, IPVanish ensures a seamless and fast connection, catering to the needs of users in Japan.

Using IPVanish’s Japanese servers, we effortlessly accessed local Japanese content.

IPVanish provides users in Japan with effortless access to both local and global content. Whether it’s streaming Japanese channels like NHK World, TV Tokyo, and TBS, or accessing international streaming services like Euro-Sports and CNBC, IPVanish ensures uninterrupted streaming.

Our comprehensive IPVanish speed testing showcased impressive performance, achieving an average download speed of 86.75 Mbps over a 100 Mbps internet connection. This translates to buffer-free streaming and seamless online activities, establishing it as one of the fastest VPNs on the market.

Consistently delivering impressive speeds in Japan, IPVanish excels.

Supporting a wide array of operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux, IPVanish seamlessly integrates with various devices like Fire Stick and routers, offering flexibility and convenience across platforms.

With IPVanish, users in Japan can securely engage in torrenting, thanks to its Unmetered connection feature on a single account. Utilizing AES-256-Bit encryption, IPVanish ensures robust protection for online data and activities.

After conducting a DNS and IP leak test on IPVanish, it’s clear that the service prioritizes user safety and effectively safeguards data during testing.

IPVanish successfully passed our DNS and IP leak testing.

Supported by 24/7 live chat support, IPVanish provides prompt assistance for user queries. For those keen to explore the service, a 7-day IPVanish free trial for mobile offers a firsthand experience of its speed and functionality.

IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users in Japan ample time to test its capabilities and performance risk-free. With a competitive price of just $3.33/mo (2-year plan), it stands as a cost-effective option for users seeking fast and secure online experiences in Japan.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of IPVanish and its impressive features, delve into our detailed IPVanish review.

Finding the Best VPN for Japan: Our Methodology

The VPN market is crowded, but not all choices are up to par. Some are slow for streaming and lack key security features, leaving users frustrated and their money wasted.

To address this, we rigorously test VPNs to ensure they meet our standards. Our team uses a detailed scientific process. Here’s what matters most when selecting the best VPN Japan:

1. Servers in Japan: Whether you’re in Japan or traveling abroad, the need to access region-locked Japanese services and platforms arises. VPNs equipped with Japanese servers offer the advantage of thwarting tracking and surveillance, even when utilizing local Japanese services.
2. Global Server Network: For tasks like streaming Netflix US or the UK’s BBC iPlayer, or accessing other international services, a VPN with an extensive selection of servers proves invaluable. We prioritize VPNs with a substantial global server network to ensure unrestricted access to your desired content.
3. No-Logs Policy: A no-logs policy guarantees that the VPN refrains from tracking or harvesting any data about your online activities. This aspect holds paramount significance, as a VPN adhering to a no-logs policy cannot utilize your information and remains immune to government requests to disclose your browsing patterns.
4. Robust Encryption: The strength of a VPN hinges on the efficacy of its encryption implementation. Regrettably, not all VPNs implement their protocols with the highest standards. To ensure users’ security, we exclusively recommend VPNs for Japan that offer dependable encryption.
5. Advanced VPN Features: Leading VPN providers stand out by delivering value and versatility through comprehensive apps for various platforms, enriched with practical features. We emphasize services equipped with advanced attributes such as DNS leak protection, kill switches, obfuscation, and more. This encompasses Smart DNS, double-hop connections, split tunneling, among others.
6. Exceptional Customer Support: Access to reliable customer support is crucial when seeking assistance from your VPN provider. This is why we favor VPNs equipped with live chat and email support, accessible around the clock like ExpressVPN.

By adhering to this methodology, we ensure that the VPNs we recommend for Japan meet the necessary standards of quality, security, and performance.

Why do you need a VPN for Japan?

You might wonder why you need a VPN in Japan when you already have a Japanese IP address. The reason is that a VPN can unblock restricted content within Japan and grant access to content from various countries. For instance, VPNs enable you to access different Netflix regions, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Now, and more.

Equally vital is the security a VPN offers. Even if you’re in Japan, having a VPN like ExpressVPN is wise to safeguard your private data. Whether you’re doing online banking or browsing, a different Japanese IP address prevents your location and identity from being exposed to potentially harmful third parties. Plus, using public WiFi becomes safer, as VPNs counteract hackers who often target such networks.

Torrenting in Japan: Is it legal and secure?

In Japan, torrenting itself is legal. However, similar to many places globally, downloading copyrighted materials remains illegal in Japan.

Despite the legality, torrenting in Japan can be problematic, even for legally obtained data. Users have reported ISPs significantly throttling torrent downloads, leading to extremely slow speeds and a disappointing overall experience.

This is where a VPN comes into play. It safeguards your P2P activities from prying eyes. By concealing the content you’re downloading, ISPs can’t collect your data, ensuring complete privacy and a more satisfying torrenting experience.

Can I use a free VPN for Japan?

Yes, you can opt for a free VPN for Japan; however, we advise against it due to several reasons:

1. Limited Functionality: Most free VPNs have limitations in terms of functionality and performance.
2. Data Privacy Concerns: Free VPNs often generate revenue by selling user data to third parties, compromising your privacy.
3. Inadequate Features: They may lack essential features and have a limited number of servers, resulting in poor performance.
4. Security Risks: Certain free VPN apps might contain malware, trackers, and intrusive ads.

However, if you’re determined to find a free VPN with Japan servers, consider a freemium VPN. These are generally associated with reputable brands, reducing security risks. Nonetheless, many free versions reserve premium features and server locations behind a paywall. While they provide a glimpse of the VPN experience, upgrading to the paid version often becomes necessary to access the full range of benefits.

For a credible free VPN choice in Japan, ProtonVPN stands out. Its free version includes Japanese servers, offering a secure and convenient option.

FAQs – Best VPN for Japan

Wrapping Up

In Japan, a significant level of internet freedom exists, but certain activities like torrenting are restricted. To ensure privacy and overcome geo-restrictions, using the top VPN for Japan is recommended. This choice helps maintain anonymity from ISPs and allows seamless access to content.

Numerous VPNs offer protection, yet our recommendation for the best VPN for Japan is ExpressVPN. It offers dedicated servers within the country, ensuring fast speeds and robust security. This creates a shield against tracking and guarantees complete anonymity.

To explore its features without cost, ExpressVPN provides a 7-day free trial. Additionally, its proactive and swift customer support is available round-the-clock to assist users.