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 decent 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: Superfast Japanese servers are great for streaming and downloading. Secure, private, and great at unblocking geo-blocked services.
5. CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly apps for most devices and some of the fastest servers we’ve tested. Vast server network with over 100 in Japan for a Japanese IP address.
6. PrivateVPN: New and upcoming network with great unblocking capabilities, good connection speeds, and a selection of Japanese VPN servers.
7. PureVPN: Ultra-fast provider with exceptional streaming ability. Sleek, easy-to-use apps and 24/7 customer support. Works with NHK, Netflix and many similar platforms.
8. ProtonVPN: A no-logs VPN with dozens of high-speed servers in Japan. Boasts a strong set of security tools and the ability to access many popular streaming services. 

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. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research the very best VPNs around, hopefully saving you some time in the process. To be considered for our list, a VPN had to meet the following criteria:

• Reliable servers in Japan as well as worldwide
• Connections that offer speed and stability
• Strong online security with encryption
• No logging of your personal information
• Efficient customer support (preferably 24/7)
• Apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Fair pricing with a money-back guarantee

You can find out more about how we test the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, here are summaries to help you pick between the ones that made the grade.

The best VPNs for a Japanese IP

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

1. NordVPN 

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for gaining an IP address from Japan. It has over 5,500 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 is a VPN that promises 99.9% uptime, and we found performance to be excellent. We were able to stream HD videos with no problem, and the connection didn’t drop once.

The easy-to-follow NordVPN app lists specialty servers, including Double VPN (the use of 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 important 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.

NordVPN speed test data

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 6 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 wherever you are in the world. 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 and allow you to watch in the highest possible quality, free from lag and buffering. This VPN has no connection limit, meaning it’s perfect for anyone looking to secure every device in their home.

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 the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. 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.

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

Surfshark speed test data

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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.

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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, 20 of which are located in Tokyo. One of the main advantages of IPVanish is that browsing speeds are very good. 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 also have the option of using the ‘QuickConnect’ feature to save time. When it comes to 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 it’s possible to sign up for IPVanish anonymously, which isn’t the case with many VPNs.

IPVanish apps are available for the following platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. While IPVanish is available for Linux and routers, manual setup is needed.

IPVanish speed test data

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

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable option for getting a Japanese IP address. It’s versatile, too, allowing us to stream Netflix Japan with no annoying buffering or lag. Overall, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including Japan, the USA, and UK.

Not only is the ExpressVPN app easy to use, but 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.

ExpressVPN speed test data

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. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has over 100 servers in Japan and more than 9,000 worldwide in 90+ countries. As such, it’s another great VPN if you want a Japanese local IP address or wish to access content in the USA or UK. 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. What’s more, a single CyberGhost plan allows for simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices.

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.

CyberGhost speed test data

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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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider based in Sweden. Although it only has around 200 servers in total (2 are located in Tokyo, Japan), they are spread across 63 countries. This means you should have no problem unblocking 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. Streams load fast, and playback is smooth, with no buffering or lag to speak of.

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.

PrivateVPN speed test data

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

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN has roughly 6,000 servers in 65 countries, including several in Tokyo, Japan. This service provides far higher speeds than many of its rivals, averaging almost 400 Mbps in our latest testing. Not only that, but it works with a huge number of 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.

So how secure is PureVPN? Well, it uses uncrackable encryption, prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and includes a kill switch so that 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 apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Further, it offers detailed setup guides for a wide range of router firmware so you can secure an entire home network.

PureVPN speed test data

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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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN operates around 50 servers in Japan but its network covers more than 80 other countries as well. We’ve seen it deliver average speeds of over 300 Mbps, so you shouldn’t notice any performance issues unless you’re already on a very slow connection. 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.

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.

ProtonVPN speed test data

READY FOR ANYTHING:ProtonVPN has the speed 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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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 are some of the main qualities we looked for:

• An expansive network: To get a Japanese IP address, you need a VPN with servers in Japan. However, the more countries you can choose from, the wider the range of platforms you can (theoretically) access. We looked for VPNs with a wide global server network.
• Quick and reliable speeds: Your VPN could be the best at bypassing geo-restrictions, but if it’s too slow, it’s useless for streaming or downloading. Our team regularly tests providers to see which VPNs are fastest, and crucially, we also look at consistency. This way, there’s as little trial and error as possible.
• Versatility: We prefer Japanese VPNs that work with lots of services. If a provider is blocked by popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Disney Plus, we probably won’t recommend it. Additionally, our top VPNs must allow torrenting since there’s really no easy way to do so safely otherwise.
• Powerful security tools: 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy are non-negotiable. These provide a solid level of protection against snoopers, but we welcome any additional tools that may be included.
• A seamless user experience: The best VPNs make it as easy to get connected as possible. Ideally, they’d offer multi-platform support, 24/7 live chat, and well-designed apps. Some even include task-specific servers, while others have scrapped connection limits altogether.
• Apps and devices: The VPNs we test are compatible with various devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Linux, and more. This ensures that you can enjoy Japanese content from anywhere, at home or on the go.
• Value for money: We assess each Japan IP address VPN for value. This includes things like subscription costs, money-back guarantees, and simultaneous device connections supported on the same account. We only recommend providers that we feel pose good value for users.

Want to know more? Read our full VPN testing methodology post.

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

Japanese IP VPN FAQs