Best VPN for Japan in 2022

If you want to access a location where internet usage is superior, you need the best VPN you can get. The VPNs below are the very best to use in Japan.

Last Update: March 3, 2022
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Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • Simple user interface for Android Users
  • Internet Kill Switch
  • Split Tunneling
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Unbreakable Encryption
Available on:
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Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Features:
  • Unlimited P2P and Torrenting
  • High-End Military-Grade Encryption
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Ad-blocker Feature
  • High-Speed Servers
  • Unblock 400 Streaming Services
  • 100% diskless encrypted RAM servers
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Simple One-Click Connection
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • Torrents Friendly
  • Unlimited Bandwidth and Server Changes
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Features:
  • Strict No logs Policy
  • AES-256-GCM Encryption
  • Very Secure Protocol
  • Fast Torrent Speed and Unblocking Netflix
  • Unlimited Devices
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Features:
  • Public WIFI Protection
  • IP Leak Protection
  • No Logs Policy
  • Live Chat Support 24H
Available on:
 available_devices

Best VPNs for Japan

Best Android VPN

Only a few countries can compete with Japan in terms of technological innovation. In terms of internet usage, the situation is similar, with 92 percent of the population having access to the internet.

Using a VPN for Japan to change an IP address or server location is the first baby step toward internet usage. If you intend to stay in Japan or access any Japanese-only websites, you'll need a dependable VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Streaming TV shows such as DMM and Radiko require a Japanese IP address. As a result, you'll need a strong VPN connection. When using public WiFi, a virtual private network (VPN) can assist you in circumventing location restrictions and improving mobile security.

We've tried several Japanese VPNs, from free to premium, and have extensive experience with them, so we're confident that we can provide you with a well-organized list of the best VPN services in Japan.

Best VPN to Use in Japan

In Japan, there are numerous VPN providers to choose from, but if you want to connect to an area where internet usage is higher, you'll need the best VPN available. The following are the best VPNs for this purpose.

Expressvpn-screenshot-new

ExpressVPN is, without a doubt, the best virtual private network (VPN) service available. It's simple to use, quick, and secure to conduct business with. As a consequence, we have placed the app at the top of our Japanese VPN ranking, which is entirely justified.

Furthermore, thanks to its unique privacy features and 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN's features and bundles appear to be virtually limitless.

However, consider some of these characteristics and why they are important to you first. For starters, unlike many VPNs, ExpressVPN does not throttle your bandwidth. Second, you can connect up to three devices at the same time without experiencing any drops in speed or service.

This is ideal for people who travel frequently or have a large family. Third, they include a kill switch in case of an unexpected drop-in service. Finally, their customer service is excellent and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ExpressVPN Features

  • 3,000+ Servers in over 94 countries
  • Your IP address is linked to the content you see on the internet.

Websites and mobile applications use your IP address to narrow down the advertisements, friends, and information you see online. Your IP address is replaced with one generated on one of ExpressVPN's servers. You will be exposed to the same online content as users from the server locations you selected due to removing geographical restrictions. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, provides excellent anonymity and privacy. The site keeps no records and employs one of the most advanced IPv6/DNS leak detection systems available.

  • ExpressVPN can be used on up to five devices at the same time.

If the device limit is too low for you and you'd like to increase it, you can download a router app and connect more devices, allowing for more simultaneous connections.

  • Payment options are diverse.

Unlike many other VPNs, you can pay with more than just a credit or debit card.

  • Kill switch for network lock.

VPN connections fail on rare occasions. The Network Lock Kill Switch is what keeps your data safe. The 'NLKS' o, also known as an internet kill switch, can block all online traffic until the VPN connection is restored, protecting your data.

  • Encryption in the classroom.

All concerns about a data breach, online privacy, and security should be put to rest with best-in-class encryption. The advanced AES 256 bit encryption used by Express VPN is a trusted standard among security experts.

  • Bandwidth is limitless.

Users can enjoy streaming and downloading videos without accumulating unnecessary traffic when using ExpressVPN. This means that the ISP and VPN can work together without attracting traffic that slows down the connection.

ExpressVPN Servers

Expressvpn servers

With 3000+ servers, 160 virtual server locations, and 94 countries, there are naturally more location options and IP addresses to choose from.

When you're not sure which location or VPN server to use, ExpressVPN smart location can assist you by selecting the best servers available.

The Japan-based servers, for example, are located in Tokyo and Yokohama. It should be noted that these servers were chosen based on factors such as connection speed, distance, and latency.

To put it another way, if you want to watch Netflix or another streaming service, ExpressVPN will select the best server for you.

ExpressVPN Support

Expressvpn cs

If users in Japan or around the world have any questions or concerns, they can contact support. Video tutorials, chats, email, and even phone calls are available for assistance.

There are numerous communication channels available, and users can choose the one that best suits their needs. There are some useful topics and frequently asked questions as well.

ExpressVPN provides high-speed connections with unlimited bandwidth and customer service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ExpressVPN Pricing

ExpressVPN pricing

The price of ExpressVPN varies depending on how long you want to use it and what kind of service you want. The key with ExpressVPN, as with any other pricing system, is to select a plan that you can afford.

The most popular plan is a 15-month (12 months + 3 months free) subscription that costs 748 yen per month and 11,215 yen total (approximately $6.67 and $99.95). In addition, with this plan, you get unlimited cloud backup for free.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included. A monthly package costs 1,454 yen (approximately $12.95). It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. There's also a 6-month package for 6,727 yen (approximately $59.95): that's about 1,120 yen ($9.99) per month.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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NordVPN screenshot

In terms of internet speed, NordVPN is arguably one of the fastest VPNs available. The smart play service, on the other hand, is by far NordVPN's most exciting feature. Users of NordVPN's smart play service can bypass geographic restrictions on Netflix and BBC iPlayer

However, let's take a look at some other aspects of NordVPN that you might be interested in. First and foremost, Nord VPN is a user-friendly VPN service that is ideal for those who are not tech-savvy.

NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and uses military-grade encryption. NordVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs in terms of privacy.

NordVPN is an excellent choice for users who want to unblock websites and send encrypted traffic. In addition, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN Features

  • Authentication with multiple factors

Having a premium VPN account hacked can be extremely distressing. NordVPN solved the problem by offering a variety of ways for users to authenticate their access. As a result, users can be confident in the security of their paid VPN accounts.

  • Masking of IP addresses

When a user's IP address is known, virtually all their information and digital footprint can be tracked. One of NordVPN's enticing features is its ability to mask those footprints perfectly. Because IP addresses are linked to the geographical restrictions imposed by some websites, hiding your IP address allows you to access those sites.

  • Encryption that is safe to use

NordVPN's data encryption and security capabilities are comparable to the military's. It has a 2048-bit double-layer encryption system ( AES 256 bit encryption). As a consequence, gaining access to your information is nearly impossible.

  • There will be no logging.

NordVPN does not keep browsing logs and uses IPV6 and DNS leak protection to keep its users' data safe for a long time. The fact that the VPN offers foolproof protection against malware and untrustworthy public WiFi is further evidence of the high level of security provided by their encryption.

  • Automatic Internet Shutdown

When a VPN connection is terminated, the device automatically searches for and connects to available networks. NordVPN, on the other hand, automatically disconnects from the internet, preventing unintentional exposure to potentially harmful websites. This feature should be the most sought-after in a country like Japan.

  • Six devices can be connected at the same time.

You can connect up to six devices to a single NordVPN account. You can also secure all of them in any combination you want.

  • Payment plans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Another helpful feature provided by the VPN provider is that it recognizes that VPN users have a variety of preferred payment methods. Payments for the various payment plans are accepted via virtually all channels, including Visa, credit card, iTunes, MasterCard, Amex, and discovery: Bitcoin is also accepted.

NordVPN Servers

Nordvpn servers

NordVPN's extensive server network is one of the reasons it is one of the most dependable VPNs available. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, it’s the world's largest server network. NordVPN has one of the largest VPN networks in the world and provides unlimited bandwidth.

Users can now choose a Japan VPN server from anywhere in the world using the app. That's great news for Netflix subscribers! Netflix Japan caters to Japanese expats seeking a taste of home. However, it can’t select the best VPN server for streaming.

As a result, until you test it before selecting a server, it is not a 100 percent reliable VPN for streaming. Hundreds of NordVPN servers in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, are optimized for peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing, which is normally not possible.

NordVPN Support

Customer service at NordVPN is only available via email, live chat, and tickets. Despite the limited communication channels, the high-quality 24-hour service provided to users in approximately 13 languages (including Japanese) compensates for any other shortcomings.

Furthermore, the official website frequently asks users for questions, reviews, and payment plans, which help new and returning users clear up any confusion.

Nordvpn support

NordVPN Pricing

Nordvpn pricing plans

This same VPN provider's pricing is divided into monthly, annual, and quote-based subscriptions based on the type of usage. The pricing structure varies depending on the customer type.

Based on the quotes they receive, small businesses, medium businesses, large businesses, and freelancers all have different prices. However, there are some current special offers that you might be interested in.

A two-year plan, for example, costs around 370 (approximately $3.30) per month plus three months free.

Other payment options include $552 ($4.92) per month for a one-year plan and $1,340 ($11.95) per month for a monthly plan. All of these offers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN logo in white color
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
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Hotspot Shield Screenshot

The third-best VPN for Japan, Hotspot Shield, is an excellent choice. It is a virtual private network (VPN) service based in the United States that successfully serves Japanese users.

The company's most notable accomplishment has been its success with streaming on Netflix Japan and Netflix globally.

Not only does the VPN service allow you to select any location, but it also allows you to stream Japanese Netflix or BBC iPlayer with ease.

As an added bonus, the VPN connects and downloads at lightning speeds over the internet. However, we'll have to investigate other VPN features to figure out why it's still ranked third in this category.

Hotspot Shield VPN Features

Hotspot Shield, like most VPNs, clearly distinguishes between the features of a fundamental and premium VPN subscription.

  • Masking of IP addresses

Any VPN that isn't capable of flawlessly masking an IP address has failed. Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, has not. The VPN can replace one set of digital footprints with another location associated with the country targeted by host websites. As a result, this feature enables the VPN to bypass geo-restrictions while streaming Netflix and BBC iplayer content.

  • Five devices can be connected at the same time.

Hotspot Shield, like ExpressVPN, has a five-device limit. Only five devices can be connected to a single premium VPN account at a time.

  • Optional Payments

Hotspot Shield offers a limited number of payment options. You can only pay with a credit card, a debit card, or PayPal. It's a significant drawback for Japanese users accustomed to different payment platforms than those used in the West.

  • Security and Privacy

Hotspot Shield VPN has sacrificed the online privacy and security that most VPN users require in exchange for its blazing speed. However, because the VPN provider is based in the United States, there is little room for criticism.

The four eyes, nine eyes, and fourteen eyes laws apply to most VPNs in the United States. As a result, many VPN users avoid browser logs because they can be considered a privacy breach.

  • The speed of the connection

As previously stated, Hotspot Shield VPN's connection speed is arguably one of the fastest in the world. In Japan, internet speeds range from 300 to 650 megabits per second.

Hotspot Shield VPN Servers

Hotspotshield servers

Out of over 3.200 servers, Hotspot Shield VPN can automatically select the best server for you at any given time. There are about 80 countries where these servers can be found, with different server locations. It also has unlimited bandwidth to go along with its incredible speed.

Hotspot Shield VPN Support

Only email and live chat are available for customer/VPN support. Premium customers will have access to customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hotspotshield cs

Hotspot Shield VPN Pricing

hotspot shield price

Hotspot Shield VPN's pricing structure is complicated, and the explicit terms of the pricing system are ranked, though the basic plan does provide free and secure access.

However, with a connection speed of approximately 2 Mbps and a data limit of 500 MB, it is only suitable for one member account. Furthermore, only users on the premium plan have access to the internet kill switch.

The premium VPN plan is approximately $9.25 per month. A subscriber's member account can be used on up to 5 devices, and it includes unlimited data and internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

The premium plan includes 24/7 customer support for most streaming and gaming needs. Then there's the premium family plan.

In keeping with the name, this plan supports up to five subscribers and 25 devices. It costs approximately $13.88 and includes everything included in the premium plan. The 45-day money-back guarantee offered by Hotspot Shield is noteworthy.

Hotspot shield white
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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Surfshark screenshot

Surfshark VPN is an affordable, high-quality virtual private network (VPN) service. You've probably noticed that each VPN has a distinct defining feature.

The distinguishing feature of Surfshark is that it offers high-quality services at a low cost, allowing you to get the most for your money.

Because of its reasonable pricing and affordability, Surfshark is the best VPN for Japan. When it comes to the best VPNs for Japan, no one comes close to Surfshark.

As an added security measure, Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy, which means that your data will never be stored or monitored.

Surfshark also encrypts your traffic with AES-256-GCM ciphers and stores it for 30 days after it’s captured. Here are a few of its other distinguishing features.

Surfshark Features

  • Unlimited devices

Unlike other VPN services, you can connect as many devices as you want with a single subscriber account. With such low rates, this is the most appealing feature of Surfshark.

  • Internet Kill Switch

When the VPN network goes down, the internet kill switch kicks in automatically. It protects the devices connected by disabling internet access until it is reactivated.

  • Protection against DNS leaks 

Each server's DNS leak protection and IPv4 stack ensures secure privacy and information. Furthermore, the strict no-log policy ensures that the user's browsing activities are not recorded, putting the user's privacy first. However, the online privacy policy details have not been clearly stated, raising questions about how users' data is being used.

  • IP masking

VPNs can mask IP addresses, removing the geographical restrictions that the majority of internet users face. The drawback is that users almost always get the same IP address.

  • Adblocker

You can also choose to block all forms of online advertising from appearing in your app.

  • Split Tunneling

Surfshark makes it simple to check in on a private server while using public WiFi.

Surfshark Servers

Surfshark servers

Surfshark servers can be found in hundreds of locations throughout Japan, as well as over 3200 locations in 65 countries. It also has an unlimited bandwidth, which explains how easy it is to download and use. Furthermore, Surfshark has one of the most user-friendly interfaces of any VPN ever created.

Surfshark Support

Surfshark offers customer service to all users around the clock, seven days a week. However, this is only available through live chat. As a result, there's a good chance that customers are interacting with a bot and may be unable to communicate their concerns to a human.

Surfshark CS

Surfshark VPN Pricing

Surfshark price

Surfshark's pricing system has helped it rank among Japan's top 5 VPNs. Without a doubt, the VPN provider put a lot of time and effort into the pricing system. A 24-month plan costs $279.48 ($2.49), a 6-month plan costs $728.49 ($6.49), and a one-month plan costs $14.53.

Surfshark logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Visit Surfshark
CyberGhost screenshot

CyberGhost takes the fifth and final spot on our list of Japan's top 5 best VPNs due to its 15 years of experience in virtual private networks.

Despite the fact that the VPN can be a little difficult to use at times, it has an excellent user interface, with many of its settings being simple to change.

It can completely block advertisements and malware from potentially dangerous websites, depending on how carefully the application was configured.

Since its inception in Romania, CyberGhost has grown to serve over 30 million users worldwide.

Here are some descriptions of CyberGhost's features that will help you better understand the VPN and the service that it offers.

CyberGhost VPN

  • End to end protection

Cyberghost uses world-class, military-grade AES 256 bit encryption for VPN protocol protection, which keeps hackers and malicious sites out.

  • Automatic Internet Kill Switch

Anything that causes the VPN to lose connection will also cause the VPN to automatically shut down the internet connection. It always provides some level of security for both the VPN user and the device.

  • Supports up to 7 devices

You can connect up to seven devices at once with a CyberGhost subscriber account.

  • Split Tunneling

You can use a public network to connect to a private server without revealing any personal information to either party.

  • No Logs Policy

Because the VPN app is not based in a country where VPN providers must share data with foreign intelligence, every VPN user's data is anonymous and secure.

  • Adblocker

All types of advertisements and malicious malware are completely blocked by the VPN.

CyberGhost Servers

Cyberghost servers

Over 7500 CyberGhost VPN servers are located in over 88 countries, so the best VPN server for Japan is automatically selected when the VPN for Japan is used.

As a result, finding the best server to manage your YouTube, BBC iplayer, or Netflix streaming should be simple in this case.

CyberGhost Support

CyberGhost support cuts across all channels. The customer support includes live chats, frequently asked questions, emails, calls, dedicated web pages, and press teams.

Various departments appropriately manage all these channels to get customer feedback properly.

CyberGhost Pricing

Cyberghost pricing

Two of the three pricing systems offered by the CyberGhost VPN provider team come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. A system like this has demonstrated that the large number of users it boasts is justified, so there are three different pricing plans to choose from.

It's best to make a decision based on your specific needs rather than just your budget. A 24-month + 2-month plan is $252 ($2.25) per month, a 6-month plan is $717 ($6.39) per month, and a 1-month plan is $1,459 ($12.99) per month.

The 45-day money-back guarantee does not apply to the 1-month plan, which has a 14-day guarantee.

CyberGhost logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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Are Japan Servers Reliable?

Because of the strong connections, Japan's servers are often more reliable than those of other countries. Furthermore, VPNs are freely available in the country. As a result, the Japanese government has agreed to accept the servers. There are servers located throughout the country.

However, the majority of people choose Tokyo, Japan's capital. Because the number of servers varies, the quality of your connection will be determined by the VPN you use.

Access to Japan is possible through a number of excellent VPNs with dependable servers. If you're having trouble connecting to VPN servers, try NordVPN. The VPN has 80 servers in Japan out of a total of over 5,000 worldwide, but all of them are in Tokyo.

This VPN provides you with a Tokyo IP address as well as lightning-fast browsing speeds. Assuming you don't mind the limited server location, it's a solid option.

Top Japan VPNs: Which One is Better?

Several VPN providers provide VPN services in Japan. With so many top Japan VPN options to choose from, determining which VPN is best for you can be difficult. The answer to the question of which VPN is better is largely determined by your individual needs.

Consider your budget, the VPN's purpose, your privacy needs, simultaneous connections, available apps, unblocking features, and encryption parameters.

Expressvpn New logo 200

All of these factors will have an impact on which VPN is best for you. If you have the time, you can try out all of the VPNs that offer free trials and money-back guarantees.

You can save time, however, by reading through our review. ExpressVPN is a great place to start. If you don't like it, try one of the other options on the list.

Are VPNs Legal in Japan?

VPNs are unquestionably legal in Japan. The Japanese government does not impose any restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs). As a result, citizens are free to use the internet and VPNs as they see fit. Torrenting, on the other hand, is illegal in Japan.

It is illegal in the country and is punishable by law. Criminals face a two-year prison sentence and a fine of up to ten million yen, though it appears that cops are more concerned with those who upload copyrighted content than with those who download it.

As a consequence, if you want to torrent in Japan, you must be extremely cautious not to upload copyrighted content without the permission of the owners.

Another source of concern is the conservative nature of Japanese authorities. Although internet usage is not currently monitored or censored, many people believe that this will change in the future. For this reason alone, it is best to stick to the legal aspects of VPN use in Japan.

Free Japan VPN: Is It an Option?

You may be tempted to use a free Japan VPN service due to a limited budget. It is, however, not always the best option for you. This type of VPN usually does not provide the best service, and your options are limited.

While some of these VPNs only allow you to use them for a limited period of time, others keep your logs and sell them to third parties. The safe ones, on the other hand, usually just limit how much data you can use. As a result, paid VPNs are not as expensive as you might think.

If you intend to use your VPN for an extended period of time, you should consider purchasing a paid VPN.  Plus, most free VPNs cannot bypass geo-restrictions.

For the time being, if you insist on using a free one, make sure to check the security features, data limit, customer support, speed, and server count. This information will help you understand what you'll get from the VPN service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which free VPN connects to Japan?

For free Japan VPNs, Tunnelbear and ProtonVPN are excellent choices. Free VPNs, on the other hand, are not the best option if you value your online privacy, connection speed, and browsing security. This is due to the fact that intelligence and surveillance agencies routinely monitor logs and browsing histories.

Which VPN is best for Japan?

The top-ranked VPNs in Japan are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Hotspot Shield, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. Few people will disagree with our selection of the top-ranked VPNs in Japan after considering a variety of features, properties, benefits, and drawbacks.

Are VPNs illegal in Japan?

There is no law in Japan that prohibits or restricts the use of a VPN. However, because its use is not illegal, it is best to limit its use to legal purposes. Assume, for example, that a VPN is used in Japan to engage in illegal activities such as copyrighted material uploading or torrenting. In that case, the offender could face years in prison as well as hefty fines.

Conclusion

A VPN for Japan (whether paid or free) is a safe haven for anyone who wants to protect themselves from hackers, cyberbullies, and the prying eyes of government intelligence agencies who enjoy gathering information about other people's lives.

Simultaneously, they can be used by online bullies, traffickers, and money launderers, among other things.

VPNs in Japan, like VPNs in most other countries, have an impact on humanity depending on how they are used, regardless of whether they provide online privacy or not.

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By: Michael Miller
Michael is the CEO of VPN Online, one of the fastest-growing media companies in the cyber-security space. VPN Online was started in 2019 after Michael consulted with many Fortune 500 companies and saw the lack of understanding about cybersecurity many of their employees had.