How to watch NHK Plus in the USA with a VPN

It’s possible to watch NHK in the USA through NHK World-Japan, NHK’s international broadcasting service. However, if you’re trying to watch NHK Plus, NHK’s streaming platform, the videos are geo-blocked outside Japan. This isn’t particularly unusual. Many streaming providers ensure their platforms and content are region-locked in specific locations to safeguard copyright and licensing agreements. To get around this, you’ll need a VPN.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to watch NHK Plus in the USA by spoofing your location. You’ll use the VPN service to connect to a server back home in Japan. What’s more, a VPN encrypts your traffic so that you can stream more securely, too.

In this guide, we’ll examine how to use a VPN to watch NHK in the USA and highlight the best services for the job. For a quick summary, we’ve included our shortlist below.

The best VPNs for watching NHK Plus in the USA:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for watching NHK Plus in the USA. 130 servers in Japan and works with Netflix Japan. Fast with specialty servers, 24/7 support, and a no-logs policy.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for watching NHK Plus. Fastest speeds for streaming Japanese TV and has 60+ Japanese servers. No connection limit. Double VPN servers.
3. IPVanish: Good speeds for streaming NHK Plus. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Strong encryption and a zero-logs policy. Has an ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker.
4. ExpressVPN: Servers in multiple Japanese cities. Stream NHK Plus, TV Tokyo, Netflix Japan, and more. Excellent 24-hour live chat support and includes a password manager.
5. CyberGhost: Impressive server network covering 100 countries, Japan included. Fast with unlimited bandwidth. Independently audited no-logs policy and a Windows antivirus.
6. PrivateVPN: Consistent unblocker of streaming platforms be it NHK Plus or Netflix. Servers in 60 countries including Japan. True no-logs policy. Free remote help available.
7. Hotspot Shield: Provides servers in 80 countries, Japan included. High-speed connections for lag-free streaming of NHK Plus. Includes 24/7 live chat support.

How to watch NHK Plus in the USA with a VPN

Even if this is your first time using a VPN, setting one up to watch NHK Plus from the US is very straightforward. Connecting to a VPN server and unblocking NHK Plus should only take a few minutes.

Here’s how to use a VPN to stream NHK Plus from the USA:

1. Sign up with a VPN that works with NHK Plus. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the app that’s compatible with your streaming device. All of the VPNs covered allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server in Japan. This will assign you a Japanese IP address, which you can use to unblock NHK Plus from abroad.
4. Go to NHK Plus and select your preferred content for streaming. The content should now play without any further restriction.
5. If NHK Plus is still blocked, try clearing your browser’s cookies. It may also be worth switching servers to change your IP address.

Our criteria for the best VPNs for watching NHK Plus in the USA

Not every VPN can make the cut, and it’s helpful to know what separates one from another. When choosing the best VPNs for watching NHK Plus in the USA, we looked for those that meet the following essential criteria:

• Servers located in Japan for unblocking NHK Plus
• Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming
• Strong security with encryption and protection from leaks
• Protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy
• Live chat and email support around the clock
• Allows at least seven simultaneous connections

Best VPNs to watch NHK Plus in the USA

Here’s our list of the best VPN for streaming NHK Plus from the US:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is the best overall VPN, and this is in part thanks to its fast speeds, reliable unblocking, and generous server network. All of this helps when it comes to watching NHK Plus in the USA. Overall, NordVPN offers more than 6,000 servers, over 130 of which are located in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, allows for impressive connection speeds. Indeed, we averaged 231 Mbps in testing and could stream NHK Plus lag-free.

This VPN also works with other Japanese TV and streaming platforms, like Fuji TV, TBS TV, and Netflix. With it, you can secure up to 10 devices at once. Live chat and email support is also available to you around the clock. Deloitte has independently audited NordVPN’s no-logs policy. Security comes in strong encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20), DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. For an extra layer of protection, you can connect to a Double VPN server.

You can find NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It also provides Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. However, if you’d like to use it with your VPN-compatible router, you’ll need to manually configure the connection.

BEST VPN TO WATCH NHK PLUS IN THE USA:NordVPN is fast enough that you can stream content in 4K without performance issues. Works with NHK Plus, Netflix, and more. Some 130+ servers in Japan. No-logs service with Double VPN servers. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

Surfshark has over 60 servers in Japan that are capable of unblocking NHK Plus, Nippon TV, and TV Tokyo. With a global network of more than 3,000 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is well-placed to unblock streaming platforms. It works particularly well with Netflix and its speeds, which are the fastest of any VPN we’ve tested, so you won’t have to contend with performance issues. This works regardless of whether you’re streaming in 1080p or 4K resolution.

With Surfshark, you can secure as many devices as you like simultaneously. The VPN operates a no-logs policy and uses ChaCha20 or 256-bit AES encryption to secure your connection. You’re protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch cuts your traffic should the VPN connection drop, preventing your data from being exposed. Surfshark has numerous optional extras, too, including an antivirus and data removal service.

You can connect to Surfshark servers in Japan via its apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, you’ll find Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. Manual setup allows you to configure a connection with a wifi router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has dozens of Japanese servers that unblock NHK Plus. It’s one of the best VPNs for Netflix too. Fastest streaming speeds and an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. Lots of extra features such as an antivirus. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

IPVanish allows you to connect to servers in Tokyo and Osaka so you can easily stream NHK Plus from the US. It ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested and averaged 271 Mbps in our most recent speed tests. This, coupled with its 2,400+ servers in dozens of countries, makes IPVanish one of the better VPNs for streaming. We’ve used it to unblock and stream TBS TV, Netflix, and Hulu, among other streaming platforms.

An impressive security setup includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch in all apps, and DNS leak protection. IPVanish allows you to browse and stream anonymously because it doesn’t keep any logs that can identify you as a user. Unlike some VPNs, IPVanish offers split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps can bypass the VPN connection. Also included is an ad, tracker, and malicious website blocker. Live chat support is available 24/7.

IPVanish has apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Linux (command-line). There aren’t any browser extensions however and you’ll need to manually configure the connection to use the VPN with a compatible wifi router.

STRONG STREAMING OPTION:IPVanish has an unlimited simultaneous connection limit, very good server speeds, and servers in both Tokyo and Osaka. Works with NHK Plus, TBS TV, and Netflix Japan. No identifying logging and has 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has few weaknesses, proving a solid choice for securely streaming and browsing. You’ll find servers in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, and these let you stream NHK Plus and other popular Japanese TV channels, including TV Asahi. It also successfully unblocks Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Having tested ExpressVPN’s speeds for ourselves, we found it averaged 261 Mbps. This is thanks to its fast Lightway protocol and unlimited bandwidth.

If you’re new to using a VPN, you’ll likely appreciate ExpressVPN’s beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps. It also has some of the best customer support of any VPN. This is available 24/7 via live chat and email. There’s an impressive level of security, too, with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. On top of this, ExpressVPN offers an ad blocker and even a password manager. It lets you secure eight devices at the same time.

ExpressVPN has desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps. You can also find apps for Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions are another option, as is ExpressVPN’s custom router firmware.

SECURE STREAMING:ExpressVPN provides servers in multiple Japanese cities for streaming NHK Plus from anywhere. Fast connections with unlimited bandwidth. Strong encryption and even a password manager. Quality 24/7 support available. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is known for having a large server network. This is ideal if you regularly travel abroad and need to bypass content restrictions such as those of NHK Plus. Servers cover 100 countries in all. When it comes to Japan, you’ll have access to servers in Tokyo. One of the reasons that CyberGhost is such a good streaming VPN is its streaming-optimized servers. Another big plus is that it also ranks among the fastest VPNs on the market.

CyberGhost has had its no-logs policy audited by Deloitte and publishes quarterly transparency reports that detail data requests it receives. This promotes a greater level of trust. Once connected to a server, you’ll benefit from 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. CyberGhost also blocks ads, and its Windows security suite includes an antivirus program and a security updater.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux (command-line), Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only need to secure your browser traffic, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. There’s no router app but CyberGhost provides manual setup instructions.

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost offers more servers than most VPNs. These include servers in Japan for accessing NHK Plus from the US. Streaming-optimized servers and fast speeds. Strong encryption and even offers a Windows antivirus. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a lesser-known provider that can bypass most of the geographic restrictions you throw at it. Although it only has over 200 servers, they’re spread across over 60 countries, including Japan. PrivateVPN worked with NHK Plus in testing, and we’ve also had success with everything from Netflix to BBC iPlayer. It’s not as fast as some other VPNs covered, but it’s still more than fast enough for high-resolution streaming.

This VPN is easy to use thanks to the simple user interface of its apps, straightforward setup guides, and quality customer support. PrivateVPN even offers free remote help and installation should you need it. The no-logs VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, offers DNS leak protection, and has a kill switch. Its Stealth VPN feature is handy for navigating VPN blocking in countries with strict online censorship. PrivateVPN allows ten simultaneous connections.

To use PrivateVPN, download and install an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. If you’d like to use PrivateVPN with Linux or your router, it provides manual setup instructions to make things easier.

RELIABLE UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN can be used to unblock Japanese TV such as NHK Plus and international streaming services like Netflix US. Offers unlimited bandwidth and servers in over 60 countries. Operates a genuine no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

works with NHK PlusTested Nov 2024

Hotspot Shield has servers in 80 countries so you’ll rarely have trouble finding a fast server close to your actual location. Its Japan servers work with NHK Plus from outside Japan, and the VPN service can also be used with Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix Japan, and more. When it comes to speed, Hotspot Shield averaged 271 Mbps in testing, which puts it among the fastest VPNs around. With a single account, you can connect up to 10 of your devices at once.

You can expect all of the essential security features needed to browse and stream safely when you connect to Hotspot Shield. It uses 256-bit AES encryption so hackers and snoopers can’t read your data. It passed our DNS leak tests and the kill switch worked as it should in testing. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users and 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

Hotspot Shield has Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. There are also Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Various routers are supported but just keep in mind that they require manual setup.

SERVERS IN 80 COUNTRIES:Hotspot Shield has servers in 80 countries, Japan included. Works with NHK TV, Netflix US, and more. Particularly fast connections for streaming. Strong security and doesn’t keep identifying logs. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Testing methodology: How we found the best VPNs for watching NHK Plus in the USA

When we test VPNs, we look from your perspective by considering how you’re likely to use them. For example, streaming requires servers in countries worldwide and unlimited bandwidth. Secure browsing warrants a high level of encryption. Below, we provide an insight into our process and what we were looking for in the best VPNs for watching NHK Plus in the USA:

• Servers in Japan: NHK Plus is only available in Japan. To watch it from abroad in countries such as the USA, you need a VPN with servers in Japan for a Japanese IP address. For maximum flexibility, we seek VPNs that have servers in countries worldwide so you can always bypass restrictions wherever you are.
• Speed: It helps to have a fast connection when streaming. This allows you to steam in high quality while avoiding common performance issues such as lag and buffering. It’s through regular and in-depth speed tests that we’re able to determine the fastest VPNs. We won’t recommend any that aren’t capable of keeping up with your streaming needs.
• Bypass blocks: You’ll no doubt have come across many more geographic restrictions in your time on the web. They’re particularly common with streaming platforms that are trying to protect licensing agreements. The best VPNs constantly add new, unblocked IP addresses to stay one step ahead so you can continue to browse and stream as normal.
• Security: The security you receive from a VPN may not be enough to keep you safe online. At a minimum, a VPN should offer high-end encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. The best VPNs offer even more than this such as ad and tracker blocking and Double VPN servers for two layers of encryption.
• Privacy: We’ve looked at more than 120 VPN logging policies in an effort to identify the VPNs you can trust. This is essential because not all VPNs operate no-logs policies. In fact, some keep logs which identify you as a user, be it your IP address or browsing history. Of course, strong encryption for your internet traffic is also a must for privacy.
• Ease of use: Not every VPN makes it straightforward to get set up, connected to a server, or to adjust your settings. That’s why we test each VPN’s apps to ensure they offer a user-friendly experience. Every VPN we recommend provides live chat and email support. What’s more, this is available around the clock in most cases.
• Value for money: Just because a VPN offers quality, doesn’t mean it can’t also be affordable. With those selected, you can choose between single month plans that offer the flexibility to switch at short notice, and longer-term money-saving deals. Be sure to take advantage of the VPN discount coupons we’ve included in this post.

Our VPN testing methodology post provides further insights regarding our process from measuring server speeds to attempting to unblock popular streaming platforms.

Watch NHK Plus: FAQs