How to Obtain a Japanese IP Address in 2024

Why would an internet user want access to a Japanese IP address? Let’s take a look at the advantages.

An IP address located in Japan offers a number of advantages.

This is especially true for Japanese citizens who are traveling or living abroad, and who long for access to the same websites and services that they enjoyed back home. Other users may simply be curious about the content that Japanese copyright holders offer.

By obtaining an IP address based in Japan, a user can open access to numerous Japanese online resources that might normally be unavailable to them.

A Japanese IP address will provide access to Japanese TV and movie streaming services (including Netflix Japan), Japan-only gaming servers, and more, including websites and other services that require an IP address that is located in Japan.

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will allow you to use an IP address that is located on the island of Japan. A VPN can make it appear that you’re in the land of the rising sun when you’re actually sitting in the Sunshine Cafe in San Francisco.

In this article, I’ll share information on the 6 best VPNs to use to grab a Japanese IP address. Plus, I’ll explore the reasons why much of the Japanese content you’d like to access is blocked to users outside of the country.

How to Get a Japanese IP Address

Just follow the steps below to obtain a Japanese IP address:

1. Sign up for a VPN service (I recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the provider’s app(s) for your device(s).
3. Open the app and select a VPN location inside of Japan.
4. Visit a Japanese website or service that’s normally unavailable due to geo-blocking.
5. Enjoy your taste of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Best VPNs to Obtain a Japanese IP Address

After extensive testing, I determined that these 6 VPNs were the best way to obtain an IP address on the island of Japan. TL;DR version:

1. NordVPN: This top-ranked and reasonably-priced provider delivers VPN service that includes ultra-fast connections, excellent online security and privacy, top-notch global server coverage, and so much more.
2. Surfshark: A great budget-priced provider that offers comprehensive security and privacy protections, an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, and excellent app support.
3. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers excellent global server coverage (with plenty of servers in Japan), fast download speeds, and comprehensive app support.
4. CyberGhost: This provider is an excellent solution for novice VPN users who are looking for an easy way to protect their online activities and connect to servers inside Japan.
5. IPVanish: If you’re looking for an added layer of privacy, IPVanish might be the VPN provider for you. The provider owns and operates all of its servers, including those in Japan, keeping third-party eyes away from your personal data.
6. PrivateVPN: Sure, this provider’s global server network is a bit limited when compared to its fellow top 6’ers, but its Japan-based servers offer fast connections and excellent security and privacy protections.

When ranking the best VPNs to use to grab a Japanese IP address, I considered the following important features:

• Must have servers located in Japan
• Fast download speeds
• Strong encryption and privacy protections
• Easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms
• Excellent customer support

Best VPNs for a Japanese IP Address – Summary table

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.

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Here’s my list of the top 6 VPNs for obtaining a Japanese IP address.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN option for users looking for reasonably-priced, yet super-reliable access to Japan-based content.

The provider’s over 5,500+ strong server network has servers based in 59+ countries, and a large number of those servers are inside Japanese borders.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are the fastest in this gang of 6 and are easily up to handling just about any online activity you might enjoy.

Banking-level encryption protects all NordVPN-provided connections, and additional protection is provided by the company’s kill switch protection, malware and ad blocking, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention measures. The provider also offers obfuscated servers that make your VPN activity appear to be regular browser traffic.

A no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option have you covered on the privacy side of things.

NordVPN’s native app support has all of the most popular device platforms covered, with offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available as well.

Meanwhile, NordVPN’s router features can protect all of your devices via a single point of access. Up to 6 devices can connect at once using a single set of login credentials.

24/7 support is available thanks to always-on live support chat, a searchable knowledgebase, and an email support option.

BEST VPN FOR JAPANESE IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is the best VPN option for users looking for optimal online protection and access to content inside Japanese borders. Plus the provider’s multi-year subscription options are quite reasonably priced. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark asks a surprisingly small price for its service, which includes an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, above-average security and privacy protections, and well-rounded app support.

When it comes to global server coverage, Surfshark delivers. 3,200 servers dot the globe in 63+ countries, many of which are stationed in Italian cities.

The provider’s connection speeds are satisfying, and your connections are well protected by military-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection.

Privacy-wise, Surfshark excels, letting you pay with the Bitcoin cryptocurrency and never saving any logs of your online usage.

The provider covers numerous device platforms, including the iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Fire TV platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, and there’s support for many makes and models of routers.

This provider really stands out because of its unlimited concurrent connections policy,.

In the customer service department, you can relax knowing that Surfshark offers 24/7 live support chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED VIEWERS:Surfshark is the top VPN choice for viewers who would rather spend their dough on things other than VPN service. Delivers HD-ready speeds and great app support. Also allows unlimited simultaneous connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a reliable choice for the best VPN service for obtaining a Japanese IP address.

With over 3,000 servers stationed worldwide in 94 countries, including Japan, ExpressVPN offers access to IP addresses in most of the free world.

This provider’s download speeds are among the fastest on this list, providing plenty of horsepower for streaming video, gaming online, or sharing large files.

Military-grade encryption protects the provider’s connections, along with a kill switch and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection. Privacy is also a strong point with this provider thanks to a strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

It seems as if every electronic device is connected to the internet, and ExpressVPN has you covered. Native apps are available for the Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, and Amazon Kindle device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

The service can be set up on many makes and models of routers to provide protection for all of your connected devices. Up to 5 simultaneous connections are allowed on a single username.

Around-the-clock support is available, with 24/7 support chat, a support ticket tracking system, email support, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN FOR JAPAN:ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN choice for grabbing a Japanese IP address, no matter your real location. Fast connection speeds, along with excellent streaming and file sharing capability, make ExpressVPN a reliable option for Japan-centric users. A no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the best option for beginner VPN users who want a service that’s easy to use, but will still provide optimal protection and reliable access to Japanese IP addresses.

With a server network made up of 6,200+ servers in 89+ countries, with plenty of those stationed inside Japan, CyberGhost has the globe covered.

The provider’s fast download speeds make it a good choice for novice users looking for speedy access to Japanese streaming content, gaming, and other blocked content.

Military-level encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak, and IPv6 leak prevention all add up to optimal protection for your online activities. The provider can also block ads, malicious websites, and online tracking, and can force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.

A strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option have the privacy side of things covered.

App support is one of the high points for CyberGhost, with apps available for the Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available.

Comprehensive router protection covers any other connected devices. Up to 7 devices can connect to the service at once.

Customer support is made up of live support chat, an easy-to-search support library, and a support ticket submission system.

BEST FOR NEWBIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost should prove to be an alluring option for users with not much VPN experience. New users will appreciate the VPN’s ease of use, as well as its wide global server coverage and fast download speeds. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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4. IPVanish

IPVanish provides dependable access to Japanese IP addresses. Plus, it offers an extra layer of protection other providers on this list cannot provide.

A global network of 1,600 servers stationed in 54+ countries (Japan included) isn’t the best coverage on this list, but it’s still quite impressive.

Fast connections are the rule with this provider, delivering plenty of oomph for your favorite online activities.

Government-grade encryption protects those fast connections, while kill switch protection, auto-reconnect, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention provide additional protection. Plus, a “scramble” obfuscation feature helps hide your VPN activity.

This provider follows a strict no-logs policy, but it does not accept cryptocurrency. However, IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network, meaning third parties are kept away from your data.

IPVanish app support includes apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, and Amazon Fire device platforms. They lack a browser extension offering, however. They do provide router features to protect all of your devices, and unlimited devices can be connected at once.

Customer support is an around-the-clock proposition, with 24/7 live support, email support, and a searchable support library.

UNLIMITED CPN CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows a generous unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account. This should prove to be attractive to those who need to protect a large group of users without breaking the bank. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a Sweden-based provider that hasn’t been around quite as long as the other providers on this list but is rapidly gaining an excellent reputation.

With only 150 servers scattered among 50 countries, this provider’s global server coverage is the thinnest of any provider on its list. However, those servers are reliable, and they do have them located inside Japan.

PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are some of the best around, easily providing enough speed for gaming, streaming video, or sharing large files.

Military-level encryption, auto-reconnect protection, IPv6 and DNS leak preventions, and a “StealthVPN” feature that makes VPN traffic appear to be normal browser traffic, all add up to optimal online protection.

As for offline privacy, a total no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option keep your privacy protected.

App support comes up a bit short with this provider, with only Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps making the scene. No browser extensions are available, either.

However, the provider’s service does work with numerous routers, offering protection for all of your connected devices. Up to 6 simultaneous connections are allowed on a single set of login credentials.

Live support chat is available, but it isn’t available 24/7. A “Contact Us” form is available, as is a non-searchable FAQ section.

ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR EXPERIENCED USERS:PrivateVPN is an excellent option for experienced VPN users who appreciate advanced features like Stealth VPN and who don’t need much assistance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Why Are International Connections Banned From Some Japanese Websites and Services?

Japanese citizens who are traveling or living abroad may find that when they attempt to access their favorite streaming service, gaming service or website back home, they are turned away.

One of the major reasons you may find you’re unable to access content based in Japan is due to the content contracts streaming services sign with their content providers. Movie and television producers usually require streaming services to limit the availability of content to the country they are based in.

Similar agreements are enforced by music companies, software and game publishers, and other online content providers.

These agreements are also the reason that the films and shows you enjoy on Netflix while in Japan are not available when you view Netflix in the United States, Italy or any other country where Netflix is available.

You may also find that while you’re outside of Japanese borders, you’re unable to access your banking or credit card information, or that your favorite online merchant may turn you away. Many times, websites such as these may not allow you to log in from outside of Japan, simply for security-related reasons.

How Do Japanese Services Geographically Block Their Content?

When your computer, tablet or other internet-capable device connects to the internet, it is assigned an IP address.

The IP address acts much like your home address does in the physical world, identifying it to allow other devices on the internet to identify it so its requests are recognized and replies are sent to the proper device.

And, much like your home address, an IP address can also help identify your physical geographic location. (You can see your location by visiting this website.) This allows websites and services to identify your country of origin. If your location is outside of approved areas, they can block your access to their content.

How Can I Access Blocked Japanese Content From Overseas?

Short of buying a plane ticket home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with servers stationed in Japan is the best way to access content that’s restricted to inside Japanese borders. (It also doesn’t require a 12-hour plane trip.)

As I mentioned previously, your IP address indicates your physical location. However, by using a VPN, you can make it appear as if you’re located somewhere else, such as in Japan.

The way you accomplish this is to fire up your VPN app and then connect to a server located inside Japan. That server will then assign you a temporary new IP address, one that is located in Japan.

So, even though you’re in a coffee shop in San Francisco, it appears to the rest of the internet that you’re somewhere in Tokyo. This allows you to access websites and services that may normally be unavailable to you!

What Else Can I Use a VPN For?

While this article concentrates on using a VPN to gain access to content located in Japan, it should be noted that there are other excellent reasons to use a VPN.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection. The encryption hides your online activities, preventing your ISP from monitoring your online efforts, and sharing that info with advertisers and other interested parties.

Encryption also blocks hackers from monitoring your connection and stealing your personal and business-related information when you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot at Starbucks, a hotel, or other public locations.

Public hotspots are usually left unencrypted, making them more convenient to connect to, but also more convenient for hackers to monitor other users’ online activities. A VPN’s encrypted connection prevents hackers from watching your activity.

A VPN is also a handy tool to prevent your ISP from throttling or blocking your internet connection, simply because you’re engaging in an “unapproved” activity, such as P2P file sharing.

Is a Free VPN a Reliable Way to Obtain a Japanese IP Address?

A free VPN can never provide reliable access to a Japanese IP address day in and day out. A freebie provider also cannot provide the accessibility, privacy, performance, and security that a paid VPN provider can offer.

Using a “free” VPN provider can put your online security and privacy at risk.

Many sans-fee VPNs compensate for offering free VPN service by tracking their users’ online travels, saving the info, and selling it to whoever is willing to pay for it.

Other freebie VPN providers have been found to be inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. So much for your online security and privacy!

You also pay for a freebie VPN service by sacrificing convenience and performance.

When connecting to a free VPN, you may be forced to wait in line until one of the limited spots on a free server opens up.

Then, once you’re allowed, you’ll find that you’re either expected to choose from a limited number of servers or that you’re automatically assigned to a server. Either way, a Japanese server might not be an option.

As for the performance part of the value equation, you may find that your free provider will throttle your connection speeds, or may impose a daily or monthly data cap.

Personally, none of the above “features” of a free VPN are enticing. I decided to pay a few bucks a month for optimal VPN service, and I strongly advise you to do the same.

Conclusion

Japanese citizens who are traveling the world, Japanese ex-pats who are living abroad, or folks who just want a taste of Japanese content are recommended to give NordVPN a try.

NordVPN provides reliable access to geo-blocked content located inside Japan or other countries around the globe. The provider’s optimal app support, customer support, and well-protected, speedy connections all add up to the best VPN protection money can buy.

For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.