How to get a Japanese IP address with a VPN

If you’re looking to get a Japanese IP address, chances are it’s because you’ve come across web content that is unavailable once you’ve left home. Geo-restricted content is increasingly common, particularly when it comes to streaming services. This can be incredibly frustrating if you want to access your home services, such as Netflix Japan or Japanese TV, while traveling. Luckily, you can get an IP address from Japan quite easily with a VPN.

A VPN allows you to not only access geo-restricted content in Japan but in countries around the world, including the USA, UK, and Australia. Short for “Virtual Private Network”, a VPN encrypts the traffic going to and from your browsing device. This hides your true IP address and, thus, your location since traffic is routed through a server of your choice. In this case, you’ll want a server located in Japan. Aside from unblocking online content, you’ll also be protecting your online privacy. What’s not to like?

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to gain a Japanese IP address, plus we list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go in-depth on each of the providers we feature below, but if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for gaining a Japanese IP address:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice to get an IP address from Japan! Extremely fast, with strong security, reliable servers all over the globe, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Japan.
2. Surfshark: Affordable yet powerful. Security-first service with fantastic speeds and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions in Japan. No connection limits.
3. IPVanish: Works well with Kodi and similar Android streaming devices, has great speeds, and allows unlimited devices.
4. ExpressVPN: RAM-only Japanese servers are great for streaming and downloading. Secure, private, and great at unblocking geo-restricted services.
5. PureVPN: Fast provider with exceptional streaming ability. Sleek, easy-to-use apps and 24/7 customer support. Works with NHK, Netflix and many similar platforms.
6. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly apps for most devices and a vast server network. More than 100 RAM-only servers in Japan for a choice of Japanese IP address.
7. ProtonVPN: A no-logs VPN with dozens of servers in Japan. Boasts a strong set of security tools and the ability to access many popular streaming services. 
8. PrivateVPN: Secure provider with great unblocking capabilities, low-cost subscriptions, and a selection of Japanese VPN servers.

How to get a Japanese IP address

Even if you’ve never tried a VPN before, using one to gain an IP address from Japan isn’t difficult at all. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming Japanese content in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN to gain a Japan IP address:

1. Sign up with a VPN service that has servers in Japan – we recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the relevant VPN software or app for your device.
3. Open the VPN and select one of the servers located in Japan; this will change your IP address to Japan.
4. Try the geo-restricted content again, which should now be unblocked. You may need to clear your cookies for the change to take effect.
5. Enjoy unrestricted access to Japanese content as well as increased online security!

The best VPNs to gain an IP address from Japan: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a Japanese IP address.

Criteria for the best VPNs with Japanese servers

There are a multitude of VPNs on the market, but their quality and capabilities can vary dramatically. To be considered for our list, a VPN had to score highly in a range of tests. These covered the following areas:

• Speed: To avoid recommending providers that will bog your connection speed down, we carried out several speed tests while connected to each provider’s servers in Japan.
• Server availability: To give users an idea of server availability for Japanese (and other) IP addresses, we scored providers on how many server locations they had in Japan, as well as the number of countries they supported, and their overall network size.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated each VPN against 16 different criteria to find those most able to keep user’s safe online while connected to servers in Japan.
• Ease of use: To make getting a Japanese IP address as easy as possible, we only recommended providers that scored highly across 10 different metrics.
• Streaming: If you plan to use a Japanese IP address for streaming, then you’ll want a VPN that did well against our nine streaming criteria.

You can find out more about how we test the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section later in the article. We’ll also discuss the test results and what they mean for your choice of VPN.

The best VPNs for a Japanese IP

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for gaining a Japanese IP address:

1. NordVPN 

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for gaining an IP address from Japan. It has over 7,000 servers around the world, more than 130 of which are in Japan. The advantage of this is that you’ll never have a problem finding a server, whether you’re looking to unblock geo-restricted content in Japan, the USA, or the UK.

Aside from offering many servers, NordVPN can access the most popular international streaming platforms, including several Netflix libraries, HBO GO, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. This VPN promises 99.9% uptime, and we found performance to be excellent. We could stream HD videos without problem, and the connection didn’t drop once.

Speed-wise, the provider was very fast, as shown in our test results below.

NordVPN’s average speed across all three tests was 175.19 Mbps, which was more than 45 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers.

The easy-to-follow NordVPN app lists specialty servers, including Double VPN (double encryption for an additional layer of security) and Onion Over VPN (combining NordVPN with the Onion network). NordVPN also offers military-grade encryption, which is 256-bit AES.

Other security features include an automatic internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. Last but not least, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means your private data isn’t tracked or collected.

NordVPN apps are ideal for video and are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. A browser extension is also on offer for Chrome and Firefox.

BEST VPN FOR A JAPANESE IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our #1 choice. A great all-rounder that works well with streaming content. True zero-logs privacy policy, strong security, and accommodates up to 10 connected devices. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark makes it easy to get a Japanese IP address anywhere. What’s more, this service is highly versatile, accessing all sorts of services from Netflix Japan to J Sports.

Surfshark’s high-speed servers are located in over 100 countries, allowing you to watch in the highest possible quality, free from lag and buffering. You can see how fast its Japanese servers were in the test chart below.

The provider averaged 186.78 Mbps on the day of testing, which is an excellent result and well above the combined average of the other tested providers.

This service includes numerous advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch for a start. Surfshark also blocks ads, scans for malware, and allows you to scramble your traffic, hiding that you’re using a VPN.

This service does not keep any internet traffic logs, so they can’t reveal any personally identifiable information, and as a result, your activities cannot be traced back to you. Best of all, Surfshark has no connection limit, meaning it’s perfect for anyone looking to secure every device in their home.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Manual installation is required before use with network routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our favorite low-cost service for a Japanese IP address. It provides secure, reliable connections and can bypass even the most stringent restrictions and blocks. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a VPN provider that allows any number of simultaneous connections. This is great value if you’re sharing with family and friends. This VPN provider has more than 2,000 servers worldwide, with 10 in Osaka and 59 in Tokyo.

One of the main advantages of IPVanish is that browsing speeds are very good. You can see our most recent test results below.

The provider was remarkably consistent throughout the day. Overall, its average download speed was 153.50 Mbps, which compares favorably to the other providers we tested. 

We used IPVanish to access both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix US. IPVanish streamed HD videos with no problem, and we didn’t encounter any issues with buffering.

Using the IPVanish app is very convenient, with the option to browse by city, country, and server. As well as a map of servers, a filterable list lets you search by latency. However, you can also use the ‘QuickConnect’ feature to save time. Regarding security, IPVanish offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a zero usage logs policy. Some users may also appreciate that signing up for IPVanish anonymously is possible, which isn’t the case with many VPNs.

IPVanish apps are available for the following platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. Basic plans are available for the relatively modest price of $2.19 a month. However, for just over a dollar a month more, you can get 1TB of cloud storage and a sandboxed secure browser thrown in.

NO DEVICE LIMITS:IPVanish is great for families and people with multiple devices. Easy to use with Kodi and preferred by those  who need high standards of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a secure and reliable option for getting a Japanese IP address. Overall, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 RAM-only servers in 105 countries. This includes Japan, the USA, and the UK.

We carried out several speed tests to find out how fast ExpressVPN’s servers in Japan were. You can see the results below.

The provider achieved speeds above 119 Mbps in all three tests, which is a solid result. It allowed us to stream Netflix Japan with no annoying buffering or lag

The ExpressVPN app is easy to use, and there’s also the option of having an ExpressVPN browser extension to make changing servers quicker and easier than ever before. ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content, and we found it worked well with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. If you do encounter any issues, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support, including a live chat feature – not many VPNs offer this.

ExpressVPN offers excellent overall security. Should the VPN connection fail (this is rare since ExpressVPN guarantees 99.9% uptime), a kill switch cuts traffic to and from your device, preventing your personal information from being compromised. You can also expect 256-bit AES encryption and DNS leak protection. What’s more, ExpressVPN stores no online activity or internet connection logs from users.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

BYPASS BLOCKING:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. It’s fast and excels at unblocking tricky services abroad. Doesn’t compromise on security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. PureVPN

PureVPN has roughly 6,000 servers in 65 countries, including several in Tokyo, Japan. It works with many streaming platforms, including Netflix JP, NHK, and Amazon Prime Video. Users can connect up to 10 devices at a time, and there are no bandwidth limitations. Support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat.

To find out how fast the provider was, we tested its speeds while connected to its servers in Japan. As you can see from the chart below, PureVPN was very quick.

It averaged an impressive 146.76 Mbps, meaning you can get a Japanese IP address and continue with activities such as streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

So, how secure is PureVPN? It uses uncrackable encryption, prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and includes a kill switch so you never accidentally browse the web unprotected. Obfuscation turns on automatically whenever the service realizes you’re in a country with strict digital censorship. There’s also a built-in tracker-blocker, though this only works if you choose the Plus or Max plans. Most importantly, PureVPN follows a no-logging policy and has backed up its privacy claims with four independent audits.

PureVPN has iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Further, it offers detailed setup guides for a wide range of router firmware so you can secure an entire home network.

GREAT FIRST VPN:PureVPN is simple, straightforward, and beginner-friendly. Despite this, it offers impressive performance and strong security. Works well with Japanese streaming services too! New customers can take advantage of a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has over 100 servers in Japan and over 10,000 worldwide in 100+ countries. As such, it’s another great VPN if you want a Japanese local IP address or wish to access Japanese content and TV in the USA, UK, or anywhere else when traveling abroad.

Aside from having a high number of servers, CyberGhost offers unlimited bandwidth and traffic. Indeed, our browsing and streaming experience with this VPN was very positive, with fast and consistent connections. You can see CyberGhost’s tested speeds in the chart below.

The provider achieved an average download speed of 122.89 Mbps, though its top speed was 149.59 Mbps. So, while it wasn’t the fastest VPN we tested, it’s more than capable of streaming 4k video without issue.

When it comes to the CyberGhost apps, the interface is particularly easy to use, which makes it ideal for beginners. Selecting a country and server is simple, while various features can be toggled on and off with a click. These include an ad-blocker and forced HTTPS.

One of the key reasons to consider CyberGhost for a Japanese public IP address is that it’s one of the safest VPNs on the market. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Furthermore, it has a strict no-logs policy, so they have no records of any user activity.

CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire Stick. It’s also possible to use CyberGhost with Linux or your router, but this does require manual setup. A single CyberGhost plan allows for simultaneous connections on up to seven devices.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is a great beginners' choice. Strong on security and privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Unblocks most popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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7. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN operates around 50 servers in Japan, but its network covers more than 110 other countries.

In addition to Netflix Japan and NHK, this VPN works with platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video. Paid subscribers are permitted up to 10 simultaneous connections and have access to 24/7 customer support over live chat.

To find out how fast ProtonVPN was, we carried out several speed tests while connected to its servers in Japan.

Speeds were variable, but the provider’s top speed of 147.57 Mbps means its certainly capable of fast speeds — you just might need to try a few servers to find the fastest.

When it comes to security, ProtonVPN is among the best. Its encryption is considered uncrackable. It prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, blocks ads and trackers, and comes with a kill switch built-in. Some platforms even allow you to configure split tunneling and port forwarding features! What’s more, this VPN has a strict no-logs policy. How do we know? Independent auditors have verified this for us. If you’re looking for even greater anonymity, you can choose to pay in Bitcoin or cash.

ProtonVPN offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it can be manually installed on a wide range of routers; check the support section of the website for step-by-step instructions.

READY FOR ANYTHING:ProtonVPN has the unblocking and privacy features you’ll need to watch Japanese TV securely. It’s easy to set up, blocks ads automatically, and provides around the clock support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider based in Sweden. Although it only has around 200 servers in total (two are located in Tokyo, Japan), they are spread across 63 countries. This means you should have no problem unblocking a range of geo-restricted content.

Having a Japanese-assigned IP address with PrivateVPN is well worth considering, thanks to the high-quality servers this VPN offers. We used PrivateVPN to stream videos on Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video without issue.

Speeds were a little slower than the other tested providers, though still fast enough for HD streaming.

However, if you have a very slow base connection speed (our was 250 Mbps), you should opt for one of the other providers in this list.

We often recommend PrivateVPN to beginners since it’s an easy-to-use VPN. The interface is very simple, though there is an advanced tab with features such as a stealth VPN, which serves to bypass deep packet inspection by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. In terms of security features, PrivateVPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also claims to have a zero data-logging policy, protecting your privacy.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Linux and routers require manual configuration.

NO-FUSS STREAMING:PrivateVPN is secure, log-free, and able to access stubborn services like Netflix abroad. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: How we found the best VPNs to get a Japanese IP address

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. That’s where we come in: we’ve carefully considered the most important things a VPN for a Japanese IP address should offer and used these criteria to find the best providers for the job. Here’s what we looked for:

Speed

There’s little point getting a Japanese IP address if the ensuing connection is too slow to use. While all VPNs slow your connection down a little due to the encryption processes and additional routing, some do so far more than others. To find which had the least effect on speed, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s servers in Japan.

We took measurements using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app. This was installed on a virtual machine that had been rate-limited to 250 Mbps — a figure chosen due to it being the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US. This helps us replicate the average user’s experience.

As you can see from the above, Surfshark and NordVPN were the standout providers speed-wise. They’re the best options for anyone planning to stream, game or torrent while using a Japanese IP address.

Server availability

VPNs with too few servers are prone to congestion. With this in mind, we scored VPNs on the number of server locations they had in Japan, as well as the number of countries they supported, and the size of their network overall.

We combined these scores to give an overall server availability score for comparison.

ExpressVPN had the best server availability, with an impressive four server locations in Japan as well as servers in another 104 countries. ProtonVPN and NordVPN are great alternatives — each has more than 6,000 servers overall and a presence in 112+ countries.

Ease of use

The best VPNs make it as easy to get connected as possible. Ideally, they offer multi-platform support, 24/7 live chat, and well-designed apps. You can see which providers meet which criteria in the table below.

We assigned a score to each of these criteria so that we were left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

NordVPN was the easiest-to-use provider overall. It’s easy to get started with and provides a user-friendly service all-round. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are good alternatives for a hassle-free experience.

Streaming

We prefer VPNs that work with lots of services — particularly popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. We also evaluate providers against several other streaming-related criteria — as shown in the table below.

Providers were scored on each of these criteria. These scores were combined to give a score out of 10 for comparison.

As you can see from the above, NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are all excellent streaming options. If you’re seeking new content from your chosen streaming platforms, these providers are best-equipped to help.

Security and privacy

Leak protection, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy are non-negotiable. These provide a solid level of protection against snoopers, though we also evaluate providers against several other metrics — you can see which in the table below.

Each of these metrics was given a score, which we combined to create an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

NordVPN and Surfshark scored highest, with strong encryption, anonymous payment options and obfuscation that can help user’s navigate the toughest VPN blocks. ProtonVPN also performed notably well.

What can you do with a Japanese IP address?

A Japanese IP address allows you to do the following:

• Stream geo-restricted movies and TV shows from Japan while abroad
• Unblock Japan-only websites, such as news outlets
• Access your online banking and financial services restricted to Japan
• Use public WiFi spots in a secure manner
• Hide your IP address, enhancing your internet privacy
• Compare prices in Japan to the rest of the world

Can I have a Japanese IP address with a free VPN?

Yes, there are some free VPNs with servers in Japan. However, there are a number of reasons why we caution against the use of free VPNs.

The first is that free VPNs simply offer poor performance when compared with quality paid VPNs. Free services are always popular and this means that free VPNs attract more users than their server network can handle. Too many users and too few servers means you’ll likely have a much slower browsing experience – streaming videos will likely involve plenty of buffering and lag, which can obviously be a frustrating experience.

Another reason is that free VPNs are not as safe. One of the major issues is that some free VPNs actually track activity and log your personal data before selling it to third parties. A VPN is supposed to provide you with greater online privacy, not compromise it. Furthermore, some free VPNs make their money by spamming you with ads. Unfortunately, some of these invasive ads can contain malware. It’s just not worth the risk.

Japanese IP address FAQs