Best VPN for Japan: Your Online Freedom in a Tech-Savvy Country

With 92% of the population online, Japan is one of the most technologically sophisticated nations in the world. Internet censorship and intrusive government surveillance are not privacy concerns in Japan. 

However, as in every other nation, specific online platforms are blocked in Japan. Residents, expats, and visitors can benefit from a VPN.

Why do you need a VPN in Japan?

In Japan, using a VPN is very important for the following reasons:

Change of IP Address: 

By replacing your actual IP address in a foreign country, a VPN can increase privacy and hide your online identity.

Cybersecurity Protection:

VPNs encrypt your data to protect it from potential cyber threats, hackers, or monitoring, providing a safe online experience.

Getting Around Regional Blockages: 

VPNs give you access to geo-restricted websites, streaming services, and content that may be barred in Japan.

CGNAT and Firewall Issues Resolved:

VPNs enable you to get around problems with Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) and firewall limitations, allowing uninterrupted access.

Better Bandwidth and Ping+Latency:

VPNs may speed up your internet by maximizing bandwidth and lowering ping and latency, essential for gaming and smoother online activities.

How to use a VPN 

Here is a step-by-step tutorial for configuring your VPN:

1. Sign up for a reputable VPN service.
2. Install the VPN app on your device.
3. Open the VPN app, then sign in.
4. Choose a Japanese-based server from the server list.
5. Go to Connect.

How does the VPN work?

Your internet connection is routed through a private service rather than your typical Internet Service Provider (ISP) while using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

This is how it goes:

Data Encryption:

All your data is encrypted when you use a VPN to keep it safe.

IP Address Privacy:

Your genuine IP address is concealed, making it more difficult for others to monitor your online actions.

Server Intermediary: 

Internet traffic passes through a VPN server, which serves as a mediator, transmitting your requests to websites or services and receiving their answers.

Access to Local Content:

VPNs provide you the option of selecting the location of their servers, giving you access to regional material and local websites.

How should you select a VPN?

There are several VPNs available. However, there is a wide range in both their performance and quality. 

Because of this, we spent the necessary time investigating the finest VPNs available, possibly saving you some time. 

A VPN is needed to fulfill the following requirements to be included in our list:

• Reliable servers globally and in Japan
• Connections that are quick and reliable
• Strong encryption for Internet security
• No recording of your data
• Effective customer service
• Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS applications

Can I use a Free VPN in Japan?

Although free VPN is feasible in Japan, it is only sometimes recommended. For the following reasons, free VPNs are dangerous: 

• Poor Security
• Collecting information
• Fewer features
• Unreliability

3 Best VPNs to Use for Japan

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a quick and dependable choice for obtaining a Japanese IP address. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 nations, including Japan, the USA, and the UK.

Key Features:

• Split Tunnelling: Yes
• Data Allowance: Unlimited.
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Able to unblock YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
• No-logging policy: Yes
• Simultaneous Connection: 5

Pros:

• Incredible download and streaming speeds
• Superior measures for online privacy and security
• 24/7 live chat customer service

Cons:

• It’s a little more costly than some of its rivals.
• It might give greater control over sophisticated features.

NordVPN

NordVPN is our top choice for getting a Japanese IP address with 130+ servers in Japan out of a vast 5,500+ global network.

Key Features:

• Split Tunnelling: Yes
• Data Allowance: Unlimited
• No of Servers: 5000+
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Able to unblock: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube
• No-logging policy: Yes

Pros:

• Among the swiftest VPNs we’ve tested
• Frees a variety of geo-locked websites with ease
• Offers always safe, encrypted connections

Cons:

• Decreases internet speed sometimes.
• Premium VPN services are pricey.

SurfShark VPN

Surfshark offers easy access to Japanese IP addresses worldwide, unblocking services like Netflix Japan and J Sports.

With high-speed servers in 100+ countries, it ensures smooth, buffer-free streaming of top quality.

Key Features:

• Unlimited devices
• No-logging policy
• Kill Switch
• Efficiently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Split Tunnelling

Pros:

• Connect as many devices as you like.
• Has no logs.
• Several popular streaming services are unblocked.

Cons:

• Poor online presence
• Unstable P2P behaviour

Are VPNs legal in Japan?

VPNs usually are legal in Japan for various uses, including internet privacy and secure transactions. However, some behaviors, such as breaking the law or accessing sites that have been restricted, maybe against Japanese rule. 

It’s also important to know that various nations may have different VPN usage regulations. 

For instance, violating the laws of another country by using a VPN to access banned information may have legal consequences there.

Which VPN has the most servers in Japan?

With a wide selection of servers, including a handful in Japan, NordVPN is compatible with Netflix and most other video streaming services.

More than any other VPN service, NordVPN offers over 80 servers in Japan.

Can I use the VPN when traveling outside Japan?

Yes, you may use a VPN when visiting countries other than Japan. Your IP address and location can be successfully hidden using a VPN or virtual private network, which enables you to encrypt your internet data and route it through a server in another area. 

Bypassing censorship and content limitations, accessing geo-restricted content, and safeguarding your online privacy are just a few advantages of doing this.

Route to Digital Independence!

In conclusion, selecting the best VPN is crucial to maintaining your privacy and security online in Japan. These services provide various benefits, including changing IP addresses, enhancing cybersecurity, and getting around regional limitations.

However, choosing a VPN that satisfies your particular needs is crucial. You can walk the route to digital independence, so make informed decisions to access the full online options.

Read more: What is a VPN and how it Works?