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Moving to or visiting Japan? A VPN keeps your internet use private and secure while traveling and lets you access content from back home. But with hundreds of VPN services to pick from, which one is right for you?
After extensive testing and research, I recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost as the top three VPNs for use in Japan right now. Here‘s a preview of what this comprehensive guide covers:
- The benefits of using a VPN in Japan
- How to choose the best VPN for your needs
- Detailed reviews of my top recommendations
- Tips for getting the fastest speeds with a Japanese VPN
- Answers to frequently asked questions about VPNs in Japan
- Background on internet censorship and restrictions in Japan
No matter if you’re living in Tokyo or just traveling through, a VPN should be part of your essential tech toolkit while in Japan. Read on to find out why.
Contents
Why You Need a VPN in Japan
You might be wondering why bother with a VPN in Japan? Using one provides several important benefits:
Bypass geographic restrictions: A VPN allows you to access streaming sites, social networks, and other internet services from other countries that may be blocked or limited in Japan. For example, you can watch American Netflix and BBC iPlayer with an American or British IP address.
Secure public Wi-Fi: Free public networks in cafes, airports, hotels and other locations often lack proper encryption. In fact, a recent study found that 81% of public Wi-Fi hotspots in major cities worldwide are prone to hacking, spoofing, and eavesdropping.[1] A VPN secures your data to keep snoops out when connecting from public hotspots.
Protect your privacy: VPN encryption hides your real IP address, location, and internet traffic to keep your online activities private, even on your ISP or public Wi-Fi. This is especially helpful in a country like Japan with strong government surveillance programs.
Remote access: VPNs allow remote or overseas access to home country services and sites that may be restricted to certain IP ranges, like banking and work resources. Travelers can access these securely via VPN.
Safe peer-to-peer sharing: Uploading copyrighted material in Japan can lead to fines under local laws. A VPN keeps your P2P activity anonymous and secure.
Bypass internet censorship: While less extensive than some countries, Japan does censor some political, gambling, and adult content deemed inappropriate. A VPN provides uncensored access to this material.
So in summary, a VPN provides vital online privacy, security, and access when living or traveling in Japan. Now let‘s dive into the top services available.
The 3 Best VPNs for Japan in 2024
Based on extensive testing and research, I recommend these top 3 paid VPN services for use in Japan right now:
1. NordVPN – Best Overall
Pros:
- Extremely fast connection speeds
- Advanced security features like Onion over VPN and Obfuscated Servers
- Large server network with 130+ VPN servers located in Japan
- Consistently unblocks streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Allows 6 simultaneous device connections
- Strict no-logs policy protects privacy
Cons:
- More expensive monthly plans than some competitors
With over 5,200 servers worldwide, NordVPN offers the fastest VPN speeds I‘ve tested, making it great for HD streaming and lag-free online gaming.
Independent audits confirm NordVPN‘s strong no-logs policy and security features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and malware/ad blocking. Unlocking Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other major streaming sites is quick and easy with NordVPN.
While pricier than some rivals, the blazing speeds, abundant global servers (including 130+ in Japan), and smooth streaming access make NordVPN worth it. Get NordVPN here.
2. Surfshark – Best Value
Pros:
- Low monthly and yearly pricing
- Good speeds and streaming capabilities
- Allows unlimited device connections
- Includes ad & tracker blocking features
- RAM-only servers leave no trace of activity
Cons:
- Smaller server network than some competitors
- Based in the Netherlands (a "Nine Eyes" country)
Surfshark combines low pricing with a solid selection of security features. Despite having only 3,200+ servers, speeds remain quick and it reliably unblocks major streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more.
The unlimited device connections make Surfshark a great value for securing all your home and mobile devices. Extra features like CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking, the private Search feature, and MultiHop connections add privacy protections.
Though based in the Netherlands, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy and has proven its security through independent audits. Overall, it‘s a high-value VPN pick for use in Japan. Get Surfshark here.
3. CyberGhost – Best for Streaming
Pros:
- Unblocks virtually all major streaming platforms
- Features optimized streaming servers
- Allows 7 simultaneous connections
- Based in Romania with strong privacy laws
- Active internet freedom advocate
Cons:
- Slightly slower peak speeds than top rivals
- No split tunneling on desktop apps
CyberGhost stands out with its immense catalog of supported streaming platforms – from popular global sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer to niche regional services. This makes it a top choice for unblocking Japanese platforms like Rakuten TV, Amazon Prime Video Japan, and more from anywhere.
While not the fastest VPN, speeds remain quick enough for HD streaming thanks to well-optimized servers. The Romania headquarters provides assurance of no logging and strong legal privacy protections. For unrestricted streaming access, CyberGhost is a top pick. Get CyberGhost here.
4 Things to Look for in a VPN for Japan
Beyond the top recommendations above, keep these criteria in mind when choosing a VPN for use in Japan:
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Fast connection speeds – Look for consistently quick speeds across different locations to avoid buffering and lag. Top speeds often come from large server networks and modern protocols.
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Local servers – Having Japan-based VPN servers near your physical location improves speeds and geo-unblocking ability. Look for servers in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and more.
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Strong encryption – AES 256-bit is the gold standard for VPN encryption, making traffic unreadable by outsiders. Ensure your VPN uses AES-256 or similar strength ciphers.
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Verified no logs policy – To protect privacy, a quality VPN keeps minimal usage or connection logs that could identify you. Independent audits help verify true no-logging claims.
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Allows P2P/torrenting – Most VPNs permit peer-to-peer file sharing, but some restrict it. If you need torrenting access from Japan, check the VPN‘s policy.
Using these criteria helps significantly narrow down the crowded VPN field to find one that meets your specific needs in Japan.
5 Tips for Getting the Fastest VPN Speeds in Japan
While essential for privacy and security, VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet performance, especially over long distances. Try these tips to maintain speedy VPN connections while living or traveling in Japan:
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Connect to local VPN servers in Japan when possible, avoiding distant international locations that increase latency.
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Use wired Ethernet connections rather than Wi-Fi whenever available. Wired internet is faster and more reliable than wireless.
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Enable features like VPN split-tunneling to route only some traffic through the VPN tunnel. This reduces overhead load.
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Test different VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. Each has different speed impacts based on the network environment.
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Contact your VPN provider‘s customer support about speed issues to troubleshoot or identify better performing servers.
Following basic speed optimization practices goes a long way toward preventing slow VPN speeds in Japan. Prioritize local servers, wired networking, selective tunnel routing, proper protocols, and technical support when needed.
Using a VPN to Access Streaming Sites in Japan
One of the major uses for a VPN in Japan is accessing streaming platforms and sites blocked in the country. Here are some tips for unblocking popular services:
Netflix – Netflix aggressively blocks most VPNs but NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and a handful of others still work reliably. Connecting to a VPN server in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or other country provides access to that Netflix library.
Hulu – Similarly, Hulu blocks VPNs but NordVPN and Surfshark can usually unblock U.S. Hulu. Just connect to a U.S.-based VPN server. Hulu Japan is harder to access abroad.
Amazon Prime Video – Both Amazon Prime Video U.S. and Japan can be accessed via VPNs like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. Switching VPN server locations lets you switch Prime Video countries.
DAZN – For accessing sports streaming service DAZN Japan while traveling abroad, a Japanese VPN IP is key. NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost and others offer Japan-based servers that work with DAZN.
BBC iPlayer – The BBC website actively blocks non-U.K. IPs. Connecting to a British VPN server is required for iPlayer access from Japan or anywhere overseas.
AbemaTV – This popular Japanese live streaming site is viewable outside the country by using a VPN like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN configured to a Japanese server location.
While streaming platforms try to restrict VPN access, using a top-tier VPN service makes accessing region-locked content quick and easy while residing in or traveling through Japan.
FAQ: Using a VPN in Japan
Are VPNs legal in Japan?
Yes, personal VPN use is 100% legal in Japan. There is currently no law prohibiting Japanese residents or visitors from using a VPN for accessing internet content and securing connections.
Will a VPN encrypt public Wi-Fi?
Absolutely. VPN encryption secures data on open public Wi-Fi hotspots from hackers, identity thieves, and the Wi-Fi network itself. Public hotspots are rarely secure, so a VPN provides vital protection.
Can a VPN unblock Netflix and other sites in Japan?
Yes, top VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark reliably unblock popular global streaming platforms like U.S. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from Japan. Connecting to overseas VPN servers allows access.
Is P2P and torrenting allowed with a VPN in Japan?
While Japanese copyright law prohibits downloading copyrighted material, using VPN torrenting privately is generally overlooked. However, copyright holders actively monitor P2P networks and issue fines for violations. A VPN hides torrent IP addresses to avoid this.
Is it illegal to use free VPNs in Japan?
No, free VPN services are legal to use in Japan. However, most free VPNs have slow speeds, low data caps, lack features, and have questionable privacy protections compared to paid services. Paid VPNs give better security and performance.
Get a Reliable Japan VPN Before Your Trip
Whether you‘re visiting Japan for the first time or living in the country long-term, having a trustworthy VPN service is essential for online privacy, secure internet access, and unblocking geo-restricted content.
Based on extensive testing and analysis, I highly recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost as the overall best VPNs available for use in Japan right now.
All three provide excellent connection speeds, robust security protections, regional servers, and great capabilities for streaming and torrenting. Choose the one that best fits your budget and requirements.
No matter which reliable VPN provider you select, connecting from Japan or overseas will keep your data secure and give you unrestricted access to the global internet. Stay protected during your travels and enjoy your time in Japan!
