How to watch Netflix USA in Japan Using a VPN

Netflix’s movie selection is tailored to your geographical location. So, if you’re a movie enthusiast residing in Tokyo or anywhere else in Japan, you’ll find a rich array of Japanese movies and anime, thanks to the dedicated Japanese server. But what if you’re yearning for the American movie lineup while in Tokyo? The answer is straightforward: employ a VPN with a server in the USA. This provides you with an American IP address, allowing you to indulge in the Netflix USA subscription and encrypts your online footprint.

With a VPN, you’re not merely sidestepping regional blocks; you’re ensuring your online activities remain confidential from entities like your ISP, employer, or the government. This guide introduces you to the best VPNs to seamlessly access Netflix USA in Japan. And for those on a tight schedule, we’ve crafted a summary just for you.

Best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for Netflix in Japan. This no-logs VPN works well with Netflix, provides customizable security features, and has a network of 5,400+ high-speed servers in 60 countries.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for US Netflix.
2. Surfshark: This service is great for streaming Netflix in Japan thanks to its hundreds of high-speed US servers, strong security features, and very high speeds.
3. IPVanish: A US-based provider that is fast and secure. Servers in the US work to access your home Netflix from Japan. Apps for all platforms. Allows unlimited connections.
4. ExpressVPN: A fast, reliable VPN with more than 3,000 servers globally. Includes powerful security features, a no-logging policy, and the ability to securely access Netflix USA in Japan.
5. CyberGhost: With pre-configured security features, a no-logs policy, fast connections, and extreme versatility, this beginner-friendly VPN makes it easy to safely stream Netflix USA abroad.
6. PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN is a security-conscious, zero-logs service with very high speeds. Works with more than 10 regional Netflix libraries, including Netflix USA.

How to get American Netflix in Japan using a VPN

Secure streaming is easy with the right VPN, even if you’re a complete beginner. Just follow the steps below to watch Netflix USA in Japan or anywhere outside of the US.

Here’s how to get American Netflix in Japan:

1. First, register with one of the VPN providers mentioned above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the app, taking care to get the correct version for your device and operating system.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers, this will give you the US IP address needed to access your home Netflix library.
4. Try playing a video on Netflix. It should begin right away, but if you’re still seeing an error (“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again”), clear your cache and cookies, then reload the page. This should fix the issue.
5. If you still can’t watch anything, contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

Best VPNs for Netflix USA in 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 accessing Netflix USA in Japan.

The best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan

Choosing a VPN that works with Netflix can be difficult because dozens of services are available, all with different strengths. But you’re actually better off choosing a versatile VPN that works in several different situations instead of one specifically designed to work with Netflix USA. That’s why we’ve decided to only recommend VPNs meeting all of the criteria below:

• Can securely access Netflix US from outside of America
• Provides fast, reliable connections to servers in a wide range of countries
• Includes powerful security features and uses effectively uncrackable encryption
• Logs no personally identifiable information (preferably keeps no logs at all)
• Has apps for the most popular devices and operating systems

You can find out more about our specific VPN testing methodology in our dedicated article. but for now, let’s look closer at the VPNs that made our list.

Here are the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for watching US Netflix in Japan. It has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries, with around 1,900 in the US. This service is known for its exceptional versatility: it can securely access Netflix US from anywhere but also lets you use services like Hulu and HBO Max. With very high speeds and up to six simultaneous connections permitted, you’ll be able to stream without lag or buffering, wherever you are.

This VPN comes with numerous advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against port forwarding, WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, a customizable kill switch, a malware scanner, and an ad-blocker. NordVPN even offers specialized servers for browsing safely in countries with strict online censorship. This service doesn’t keep any logs and offers 24/7 support over live chat in case of any issues.

NordVPN has macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux apps. It works on home routers, too, but it must be installed manually.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 BPN choice. It provides over 5,400 high-speed servers, customizable security, and a no-logs policy, at a very affordable price. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the complete NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

Surfshark stands as a premier VPN choice, boasting a network of over 3,200 servers across more than 100 countries. It offers a smooth experience for streaming enthusiasts, granting access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from Japan. A unique feature of Surfshark is its allowance for unlimited connections, a significant departure from its competitors, who usually limit it to six. This makes it a prime pick for families or group movie nights.

With your privacy in mind, Surfshark employs robust 256-bit AES encryption, complemented by DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. The built-in kill switch ensures your online activities remain private. For those who prioritize anonymity, Surfshark supports registration via Bitcoin and a temporary email. Their strict zero-logs policy ensures your streaming preferences stay private. Their 24/7 live chat support is at your service if you need assistance.

Surfshark is versatile, compatible with devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick, and can be manually configured on routers and Linux systems.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Surfshark is fast enough for HD streaming and great for watching Netflix as you travel, plus it allows you to connect as many devices as you’d like. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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3. IPVanish

Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

IPVanish is fast, thanks to its proprietary network of around 2,000 servers in 90+ global locations. That Tier-1 network belongs to its parent company J2 Global, which means that it retains full control over all its servers – which is also great in terms of security and privacy. Plus, there are plenty of advanced security features like a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and a SOCKS5 proxy.

IPVanish is based in the USA, which might put some users off because of the presence of the NSA. However, IPVanish makes up for this with its watertight no-logs policy. This ensures that the VPN will have no details to hand over to the authorities even if it is served a warrant.

When it comes to streaming, the service consistently works to access Netflix US without issues securely. It can also reliably access a host of other international streaming platforms, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Apps are available for all popular platforms, and its remote-friendly interface makes it a popular option for Kodi users. You can protect all your devices simultaneously, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it yourself risk-free.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish own its own servers, offers outstanding speeds for streaming, and allows you to connect all your devices with one account. Strong privacy protections. Keeps no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a strong choice for streaming. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries worldwide and provides consistently high speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Further, ExpressVPN is great for streaming; it works with Netflix and other platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices at once.

This service always keeps your activities private using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that automatically stops all data transferal should you lose your connection unexpectedly. If you’d like extra anonymity, you can pay with Bitcoin, although as ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, you can’t be tracked either way. Support is available over live chat, 24/7.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware making installing ExpressVPN on a router easy.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming Netflix USA in Japan. It’s fast and secure and has over 3,000 servers in 90+ countries. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Check out our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is one of the most user-friendly VPNs available. It currently has over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, and as you can search for the ideal server by latency, load, or the service, it’s designed to access (for instance, Netflix US), getting a high-speed connection for streaming couldn’t be easier. CyberGhost permits up to seven simultaneous connections, so it’s perfect for people looking to protect lots of devices.

One of the best things about CyberGhost is that it just works. There’s no need to configure anything as 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ad-blocking, and malware scanning are all enabled by default. If you do need help, you can contact customer support via live chat, 24/7. This VPN does not log any information that could identify you.

CyberGhost provides Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually configured to work with Linux systems and wireless routers. Plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with over 9,000 servers worldwide. It includes strong security features, one-click access to streaming platforms, and fast connections, so you can safely watch Netflix US abroad. There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

Works with Netflix USATested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has fewer servers to choose from than some of its competitors (around 200 in 60+ countries), but it’s much faster than many other providers. In fact, this VPN allows you to stream HD video without any noticeable buffering or lag, and better still, it works exceptionally well with Netflix. PrivateVPN lets you connect up to ten devices at once.

This service keeps your activities hidden using 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch. Although PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, you can pay with Bitcoin if you want to sign up anonymously. Live chat support is available 22 hours a day, and the staff can even remotely install or configure the software for you, with your permission.

PrivateVPN has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS devices. Manual installation is required for use with Linux-based platforms and internet routers.

WATCH NETFLIX ANYWHERE:PrivateVPN offers better-than-average speeds, the ability to securely access more than 10 Netflix libraries abroad, and a zero-logs policy, making it ideal for streaming. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

Watching US Netflix in Japan with a VPN: FAQs