What’s the best VPN for Japan? Which VPNs offer Japan servers? Any free VPN for Japan? We review the best Japan VPNs for speed, privacy, price, and ease of use.
5 Best Japan VPNs 2024 (with free trial!)
Whether you’re a tourist visiting Japan, using a VPN in Japan for your day-to-day needs, or trying to access Japanese content from outside Japan, you need the best VPN. You also need to know about VPNs with plans that can be used for free! We looked at five of the most popular Japan VPNs and rated them for speed, privacy, price, plus just how easy they were to use. Among these VPNs, we think ExpressVPN is the number one choice for Japan VPN.
ExpressVPN
✔ Japanese versions of website and app
✔ 30-day money-back guarantee
Read in Japanese: 日本対応ベストVPN レビュー or Chinese: 日本VPN推荐
Why Do I Need a Japan VPN?
There are many reasons for people to use a VPN in Japan. The internet in Japan is fast and reliable, and you don’t have to deal with government surveillance or internet censorship in this country. However, VPN usage is very high in Japan. Below are some of the reasons you need a VPN in Japan:
1. Increase Online Security
VPN is a great tool to increase online security and defeat hackers. Many internet users in Japan use VPN for this purpose. For example, when visiting financial websites such as banks and exchanges, especially when connecting to a public Wifi, many people in Japan choose to use a VPN to increase online security.
2. Protect Privacy
Use a VPN to hide your IP address. Many people in Japan use a VPN for torrenting and P2P file sharing. According to Japan’s torrenting laws, you can be jailed for up to two years or fined 10 million yen for torrenting copyrighted materials.
3. Access content
Unblock streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, and more.
4. Watch Japanese shows from outside Japan
Simply connect to a server in Japan to watch all your favourite Japanese Netflix shows! Access local content no matter where you are.
Can I get a free VPN for Japan?
We don’t recommend free VPNs. While they are not all malicious, many free and cheap VPNs sacrifice on your speed, your security, or even sell your data on to advertisers.
If you want to try a VPN plan that can be used for free, look for a VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee.
Introduction of plans that can be used for free:
Our top three picks all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try out a VPN completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, simply cancel your plan in the first 30 days and get your money back.
- ExpressVPN: Our top pick for a free VPN trial in Japan. Prices start at $6.67 per month. Sign up now and get 49% off with an annual plan!
- NordVPN: Prices start at $3.30 per month
- Surfshark: Prices start at $2.49 per month
Can I watch Japanese Netflix with a VPN?
Yes, you can. If you’re outside Japan and you want to watch Japanese Netflix, simply connect to your VPN and select a server in Japan. You’ll then be able to access all your favourite Japanese Netflix shows! Netflix has different libraries for different countries, so if you’re in Japan and want to watch U.S. Netflix, simply connect to a server in the U.S. to access that library (or any other country to access their library!).
How to Choose the Best VPN for Japan
TThere are many VPN services (including some free VPNs) available for Japan. So how do you find the best VPN for Japan? Below are some criteria that you should consider:
- The VPN should offer good VPN performance for Japan: A good VPN for Japan should be fast and stable. You can measure VPN speed by using third-party speed test services such as SpeedTest.net. Just test your internet speed with and without the VPN connected to see if there is any significant slowdown. Also, try using the VPN for a long time to see if there are any connection drops or failures.
- The VPN should offer good encryption to protect you: A good VPN for Japan should use the most advanced encryption technology to protect your online activities. For example, many top VPN service providers offer strong encryption methods such as AES-256 etc.
- The VPN should protect your privacy: Do you know that many VPN services log their users’ online activities? If privacy is very important to you, you should choose a VPN provider that offers no-log policy.
- The VPN should offer VPN servers located in Japan: If you are looking for the best Japan VPN, you should make sure that the VPN service has VPN servers located in Japan. That’s because for users in Japan, local VPN servers can offer faster speed; for VPN users outside of Japan, only VPN servers located in Japan can offer Japanese IP addresses.
- VPN features you should pay attention to for a good Japan VPN: When choosing the best VPN for Japan, you should pay attention to the following VPN features:
- Which VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard etc.) does this VPN support?
- In how many countries does this VPN offer VPN servers? Does it offer Japan VPN servers?
- How many simultaneous connections does this VPN allow?
- Does this VPN have a no-log policy?
- Does this VPN allow torrenting and P2P file sharing?
- Can I use this VPN to unblock streaming services (such as Netflix) for different countries?
- Does this VPN offer advanced features such as split tunneling and kill switch?
- The VPN should offer fast and good customer service: You need good customer support so that you can resolve any problems quickly. A good VPN for Japan should offer easy-to-reach customer services. For example, almost all of the best VPNs for Japan offer live support via online chat.
- A Paid VPN should offer free trial or money-back guarantee: A good paid VPN for Japan should offer a free trial or money-back guarantee for their users to test out their VPN services without worrying about wasting their money.
Best VPNs for Japan
Based on the criteria mentioned above, below are some of the best VPNs for Japan:
1. ExpressVPN – Best Overall Japan VPN
» Get ExpressVPN (3 month free)
As one of the top global VPN providers, ExpressVPN offers fast, stable, and secure VPN connections. It has 3000 VPN servers locations in 105 countries, including VPN servers in Japan (in Tokyo and Yokohama). ExpressVPN can be used on almost all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs and Wifi routers etc. ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for Netflix. With ExpressVPN, you can view foreign Netflix shows in Japan or view Japanese Netflix shows in other countries. ExpressVPN allows torrenting and P2P file sharing. It has a no-log policy. With one VPN account, an ExpressVPN user can connect up to 8 devices at the same time.
Pros:
- Fast speed and reliable connections for users in and outside of Japan.
- Many world-wide VPN server locations.
- Offers a number of VPN servers in Japan, thus can be used to get Japanese IP address.
- Can unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, TV Tokyo and Fuji TV etc.
- Website has a Japanese version, with very detailed instructions written in Japanese.
- Has a no-log policy and doesn’t log user’s online activities.
- With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try this VPN free of charge for a month.
- Excellent 24/7 live chat customer support.
Cons:
- ExpressVPN’s price (especially theBecause it’s a premium VPN, ExpressVPN’s price (especially the monthly package) is a little bit high.
ExpressVPN’s Features:
- Server Locations: 105 countries
- Speed and Bandwidth: Unlimited
- Logging: Strict no logs policy
- Encryption: AES-256
- VPN Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec and Lightway
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed: Up to 5 devices with 1 subscription or protect every device using the router app
- Allow Torrenting and P2P File Sharing: Yes
- Unblocking Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, TV Tokyo, Fuji TV and more
- VPN Split Tunneling: Yes
- Network Kill Switch: Yes
- Customer Support: 24/7 live chat, email support and support ticket
ExpressVPN’s Price and VPN Free Trial:
- Prices: starting at $6.67/mo.
- VPN Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee.
- VPN Discount: Click this link to get 3 Months Free from ExpressVPN
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the top VPN providers with word-wide customers. It has VPN servers in more than 60 countries, including 80+ Japan VPN servers. NordVPN’s website offers a Japanese version, which can help Japanese users to sign up NordVPN easily and set up VPN connections very fast. NordVPN’s software and apps can be used on multiple platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices and routers etc. NordVPN allows users to connect to up to 6 devices at the same time. For online streaming, NordVPN can be used to unlock Netflix for multiple countries such as US and Japan. It’s definitely a good Japan VPN to consider.
Pros:
- Fast speed and reliable connections for Japan
- A large number of word-wide severs.
- Has more than 80 Japanese VPN servers, making it a good choice for using in Japan or getting a Japanese IP address
- Can unlock streaming platforms such as Netflix for Japanese and foreign content.
- Allows up to 6 simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Software interface is a little bit too complicated for first-time users.
NordVPN’s Features:
- Number of Servers: More than 5000
- Server Locations: 60+ countries
- Speed and Bandwidth: Unlimited
- Logging: Strict no logs policy
- Encryption: AES-256
- VPN Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard (NordLynx)
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed: Up to 6 devices with 1 subscription
- Allow Torrenting and P2P File Sharing: Yes
- Unblocking Streaming Platforms: Netflix and more
- VPN Split Tunneling: Available for Android and Windows devices
- Network Kill Switch: Yes
- Customer Support: 24/7 Live chat, email support and support ticket
NordVPN’s Price and VPN Free Trial:
- Prices: starting at $3.30/mo
- VPN Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
- VPN Discount: Click this discount link to get discount prices for NordVPN
3. Surfshark VPN
» Get Surfshark VPN (with Discount)
Surfshark VPN is a relatively new player in the VPN industry, but it has received good reviews and attracted many new users. Surfshark VPN offers 3200+ VPN servers in 65 countries, including many VPN servers located in Japan. Surfshark VPN also supports the Japanese language on its website. Its VPN software and VPN apps can be used on PCs, mobile devices and routers. Unlike other VPN providers, Surfshark VPN does not have a limit on how many devices can be connected at the same time. Therefore, with one Surfshark VPN account, you can use it on unlimited number of devices at the same time. Surfshark VPN also offers a a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users to test out their Japan VPN service for free.
Pros:
- Can be used on unlimited number of devices.
- Stable VPN connections and good VPN speed for Japan.
- Relatively low price.
- A large number of world-wide sever locations.
- Can be used to unlock streaming platforms such as Netflix for Japanese or other foreign content.
Cons:
- MacOS software only supports the IKEv2 protocol.
Surfshark VPN’s Features:
- Number of Servers: More than 3200
- Server Locations: 65 countries
- Speed and Bandwidth: Unlimited
- Logging: no logs policy
- VPN Protocols: IPSec / IKEv2, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed: Unlimited
- Allow Torrenting and P2P File Sharing: Yes
- Unblocking Streaming Platforms: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Japan Amazon Prime Video and more.
- VPN Split Tunneling: Yes
- Network Kill Switch: Yes
- Customer Support: 24/7 Live chat, email support and support ticket
Surfshark VPN’s Price & VPN Free Trial:
- Prices: starting at $2.49/mo
- VPN Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
- VPN Discount: Click this discount link to get discount prices for Surfshark VPN.
4. PureVPN
As a well-known VPN provider, pureVPN offers reliable VPN services at a relatively low price. PureVPN offers VPN servers in 180 worldwide locations, including 100+ VPN servers in Japan (Toyko). PureVPN also offers a Japanese version on its website. Its VPN software and VPN apps can be used on PCs, mobile devices and routers. PureVPN allows users to connect to up to 5 devices at the same time. PureVPN offers a a 31-day money-back guarantee for users to try out their Japan VPN service for free.
Pros:
- Price is relatively low
- Stable connections and good VPN speed for Japan
- A large number of world-wide sever locations.
- Has more than 100 Japan VPN servers and can be used to get a Japanese IP address
- Can unlock streaming platforms such as Netflix for Japanese and foreign content.
Cons:
- VPN split tunneling not available for all platforms.
PureVPN’s Features:
- Number of Servers: More than 6000
- Server Locations: 140+ countries
- Speed and Bandwidth: Unlimited
- Logging: no logs policy
- VPN Protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP and IKEv2
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed: Up to 5 devices with 1 subscription
- Allow Torrenting and P2P File Sharing: Yes on some server locations
- Unblocking Streaming Platforms: Netflix and more
- VPN Split Tunneling: Available for Android and Windows devices
- Network Kill Switch: Yes
- Customer Support: 24/7 Live chat, email support and support ticket
PureVPN’s Price & VPN Free Trial:
- Prices: starting at $2.91/mo
- VPN Free Trial: 31-day money-back guarantee
- VPN Discount: Click this discount link to get discount prices for PureVPN.
5. VyprVPN
As a popular VPN company providing good and reliable VPN services, VyprVPN owns 70+ worldwide VPN server locations, including VPN servers in Japan. VyprVPN’s website supports the Japanese language. VyprVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections. Its VPN software and apps can be used on multiple platforms such as computers and mobile devices, as well as on routers. VyprVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee for users to test out their Japan VPN service.
Pros:
- Stable connections and fast speed for Japan
- Has Japan VPN servers and can be used to get a Japanese IP address
- Can unlock streaming platforms such as Netflix for Japanese and foreign content.
Cons:
- Split tunneling (connection per app) only available for Mac and Android
VyprVPN’s Features:
- Server Locations: 70+ worldwide VPN server locations
- Speed and Bandwidth: Unlimited
- Logging: no logs policy
- VPN Protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, PPTP, WireGuard and Chameleon
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed: Up to 5 devices with 1 subscription
- Allow Torrenting and P2P File Sharing: Yes
- Unblocking Streaming Platforms: Netflix and more
- VPN Split Tunneling: Available for Android and Mac devices
- Network Kill Switch: Yes
- Customer Support: 24/7 Live chat, email support and support ticket
VyprVPN’s Price and VPN Free Trial:
- Prices: starting at $1.67/mo.
- VPN Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Special Discount: Click this discount link to get discount prices for VyprVPN.
Free VPNs for Japan:
When choosing a VPN for Japan, there are always some free VPNs to choose from. However, if you want to use a VPN for Japan on a regular basis, we do not recommend free VPNs for the following reasons:
- Free VPNs may compromise users’ security: Many free VPN tools contain malware that can be used by cybercriminals to steal users’ data, gain unauthorized access to their devices, or launch cyber attacks.
- Free VPNs may track users’ online activities: A free VPN for Japan may collect user information and sell it to a third-party, thus enabling advertisers to target free VPN users with ads.
- Free VPNs usually have data usage limits: Free Japan VPNs often limit the amount of data users can use. This may include limiting the amount of data they can use per month, limiting the amount of time the VPN is available for each use, or only unblocking certain websites, etc.
- Free VPNs can slow down users’ internet speed: A free VPNs for Japan may offer much slower internet speeds than paid Japan VPNs, because VPN providers usually prioritize connection speeds of their paying customers.
- Free VPNs can use users as advertising targets: Many free Japan VPNs generate revenue by placing ads, which means users’ data may be shared without permission. This can reduce the quality of your web browsing, as the ads may also slow down your internet connection or contain malware. Ads placed by free VPNs may also have the potential to compromise user privacy.
Japan VPN FAQ:
People in Japan use VPNs for a number of reasons. Many people use VPNs in Japan to increase their online safety when visiting financial websites such as banks and exchanges. VPNs have also been used by Japanese users to protect their privacy when engaging in online activities such as torrenting. Also, many Japanese internet users use VPN to bypass geo-restrictions for contents such as Netflix and other streaming services.
Here are some of the best VPNs for Japan: ExpressVPN, Surshark VPN, NordVPN, PureVPN and VyprVPN.
Many people who do not live in Japan want to access Japan-only content such as Netflix Japan shows, Japan-only games or other services with geo-restrictions. VPN can be used for this purpose because you can connect to a VPN server located in Japan to get a IP address that belongs to Japan.
Yes, in Japan the internet is basically restriction-free and it’s perfectly legal to use VPNs in Japan.
Yes, there are some free VPNs for Japan. However, free VPNs usually has speed and bandwidth limits and using free VPNs might compromise your online privacy. If you want to use VPN in Japan on a regular basis, we suggest you use a paid VPN. Also, many paid VPN services offer free trials.
In some countries the internet is censored and VPNs are banned. For example, it’s quite difficult to find good working VPNs for China because most VPNs are blocked in that country. However, the internet in Japan is generally restriction-free and VPNs are not banned.
Conclusion:
Using a VPN in Japan can increase online safety, protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions. People outside of Japan can also use VPNs to access Japan-only content such as Japanese Netflix shows. When choosing a Japan VPN, there’re a number of criteria to consider, including security protection, privacy protection, Japan server availability, speed, price and more. We have recommended some best VPNs for Japan. You can try out these Japan VPN services (using their money-back guarantees) to decide which VPN works best for you:
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