The Best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to Access Netflix Japan

The Netflix streaming service was made available in Japan in 2015. Netflix’s Japan-based servers offer a mix of Japanese and international content, including popular television shows and movies, both from home and abroad.

Netflix limits the content available in a country for access only by Netflix viewers located in that country. This means that content available in Japan may not be available to you when you’re traveling or temporarily living abroad.

Can a VPN Help to Access Netflix Japan?

Happily, Japanese Netflix viewers traveling abroad, or international Netflix viewers who simply want to expand their streaming horizons, have a way to view Japanese Netflix content from outside the Land of the Rising Sun.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent tool for accessing streaming content in other countries, Netflix Japan included. A VPN accomplishes this by temporarily assigning your connected device a new IP address, making it appear that you are physically located in another region of the world. (In this case, it’s Japan.)

However, don’t select a VPN service at random and expect it to reliably access Netflix Japan.

Over the years, Netflix has become rather good at detecting VPN users who attempt to connect to their servers. When they detect that an IP address belongs to a VPN server, they quickly blacklist that address.

What this means is that you need to find a VPN provider that has a solid history of evading Netflix’s detection, and responds quickly if one of their IP addresses is detected – which is important, considering most VPN providers have fewer Japan-based servers than they have in other countries.

What Is the Best VPN for Watching Netflix Japan?

After putting my favorite VPN providers through extensive testing, I’ve found that the following seven VPN providers still offer reliable access to Netflix Japan.

Best VPNs for watching Netflix Japan:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN provider for Netflix in Japan. This top-rated VPN provider offers reliable connections to Japan, fast connection speeds, and top-notch online security and privacy. The provider also has most of the popular Netflix platforms covered with app support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget-priced VPN option. This fast-growing VPN provider delivers reliable access to Netflix Japan and other streaming services. It offers 4K-capable connections, offering optimal movie viewing enjoyment. It does all of this at a low, low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Netflix Japan. A reliable, if more expensive, option for watching Netflix Japan. The provider’s Japan-based servers offer reliable access to Netflix servers in that country. ExpressVPN’s fast connections are easily up to handling even 4K streams from the streaming service.
4. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN protection. First-time VPN users will want to take a close look at CyberGhost, as it offers easy-to-use apps that provide access to streaming-optimized servers in Japan and around the globe. It also offers the longest money-back guarantee on this list, at 45 days.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable access to Netflix Japan. PIA delivers reliable access to quite a bit of geo-controlled content, including Netflix Japan. The provider’s global server network also protects your online activities.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful Netflix VPN. This VPN’s small network offers proven access to Netflix. While their global server network is small, PrivateVPN has servers in Japan.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited connections for Netflix Japan. When using Atlas VPN the only viewing limits you’ll ever have are the limits Netflix places on your viewing. Atlas VPN allows an unlimited number of connections on a single account.

You’ll find out that VPN providers all have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Some may provide lightning-fast speeds while offering limited global server coverage. Meanwhile, another VPN may offer exactly the opposite set of advantages and limitations.

When ranking the best VPNs to use to watch Netflix from Japan while in other countries, I considered the following features:

• Global server coverage includes servers in Japan
• Reliable ability to access Netflix Japan
• Fast connections
• Strong connection protections
• Strong privacy protections
• Excellent native app support

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Here’s my list of the seven best VPNs for watching Netflix Japan:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN snags the top spot in this roundup thanks to its large number of servers located in Japan, its fast speeds, excellent app support, and more. The provider offers all of this at a reasonable price.

This provider offers access to Netflix streams in Japan, as well as other countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Netherlands, France, and Italy. The provider offers a page of helpful Netflix-related hints on its website.

This provider’s global server network is made up of 5,600+ servers in nearly 60 countries, and 80+ of those servers are located in Japan. NordVPN runs all of its servers only from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. All information is therefore securely erased when the servers are rebooted.

NordVPN offers some of the fastest connection speeds on this top list, delivering smooth HD and 4K streams from Netflix servers. The provider never imposes data caps or bandwidth limitations on its customers’ activities.

Banking-grade encryption keeps your connection safe from prying eyes, while a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and blocking of ads and malware provide additional security.

NordVPN follows a twice-audited and strict no-logs policy and accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment.

The provider’s multi-platform app support includes apps for devices on the iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Linux, and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available.

The provider is compatible with numerous routers. Up to six simultaneous connections are allowed under one username.

BEST NETFLIX JAPAN VPN:NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix Japan viewers. While it isn’t the lowest-priced provider on this list, it offers top-notch service for a reasonable price. The provider’s speeds are the fastest in this roundup, and NordVPN also offers excellent online protection. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers reliable access to Netflix Japan at a bargain-basement price. Its fast speeds and optimal security protections helped it make the list.

In addition to reliable access to Netflix Japan, the provider delivers access to Netflix streams originating from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, and other countries.

The provider’s fast-growing global server network currently includes 3,200+ servers based in 95+ countries, including Japan. Those servers offer reliable Netflix access. (The provider says it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.)

Surfshark delivers fast connection speeds that can easily handle the demands of HD and 4K video streams. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about violating a monthly data cap or having your fun restricted due to bandwidth limitations.

All of the provider’s connections are protected with kill switch and ad-blocking protections, and the provider’s MultiHop feature routes your connection through multiple servers to further obfuscate your real IP address and location.

Your online privacy is also safe with Surfshark, thanks to its no-logs policy. The provider also accepts Bitcoin to protect your payment privacy.

Surfshark’s app support has all of the most popular device platforms covered, providing apps for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Windows, and Amazon Fire platforms. Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are available.

Router-based protection is also available. In addition, the provider offers a somewhat unusual unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

In addition to quality VPN protection, the provider’s “Surfshark One” service also offers antivirus protection, truly private search, and alerts if/when your email address is exposed in a data breach.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES ON A BUDGET:Surfshark offers a fast-growing global server network, good app support, and fast, well-protected access to Netflix Japan. It does this at a very budget-friendly price. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy should prove attractive to users with large families. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around choice for a Netflix Japan VPN for users that don’t mind spending a few more bucks per month for a premium VPN provider.

In addition to Netflix Japan, ExpressVPN offers reliable access to Netflix in numerous other locations around the globe, as well as plenty of other streaming providers, such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, including Japan. All of those servers use the provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, running all server operations 100% from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive. All data is completely erased when a server is restarted or shut down.

You’ll find that ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling Netflix’s streaming requirements. HD and 4K streams are no problem. No data caps or bandwidth limitations ever show up to spoil the show.

Government-level encryption protects your internet connection from prying eyes, while a kill switch option, IPv6 leak protection, and DNS leak protection all provide protection.

No logs of any kind are kept on ExpressVPN’s servers, ensuring that the history of your online activities will never be available to outsiders. Use an anonymous email address and the provider’s Bitcoin option and you’ll go completely incognito.

Native app support is available for macOS (now with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your in-browser viewing sessions.

The provider’s MediaStreamer DNS service opens Netflix access to game consoles, set-top streaming boxes, and smart TVs. (MediaStreamer does NOT encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN service does so keep that in mind.)

ExpressVPN is also compatible with a large number of routers if you need more than five simultaneous connections.

GREAT ALL-AROUND VPN OPTION:ExpressVPN provides reliable access to Netflix Japan, as well as other streaming services around the globe. The provider’s servers deliver fast, well-protected connections, perfect for any video binge. While the provider is admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list, a 30-day money-back guarantee takes the risk out of giving it a try.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps and streaming-optimized VPN servers are great for Japanese Netflix fans who are new to using a VPN.

With 9,000+ servers stationed in 90+ countries, the provider has your streaming video needs covered. In addition to Netflix in Japan and other countries, the provider offers streaming-optimized servers for HBO Now, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming services.

CyberGhost offers HD and 4K-capable internet connection speeds, and there are never any data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry over. Online gamers and P2P users will also appreciate CyberGhost’s fast, well-protected connections.

CyberGhost protects its connections with banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. The provider also offers ad blocking, online tracking, and malicious websites. It can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, if available.

Privacy isn’t an issue, thanks to a strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option.

Easy-to-use apps are available for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

The provider’s router compatibility has your other devices covered. Up to seven devices can be concurrently connected to the service.

CyberGhost also offers a password manager, antivirus protection, a utility to control how much of your data Microsoft has access to, and a security updater that scans your devices to detect outdated, vulnerable versions of your apps. CyberGhost’s ID Guard alerts you when your email address has been leaked in a data breach. (Notice, I said “when” not “if.”)

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR NOVICE VPN USERS:CyberGhost should prove to be an attractive option for first-time VPN users who might also enjoy a little extra time to make up their mind. Easy-to-use apps, fast connections, and a 45-day money-back guarantee are available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to the Japanese flavor of Netflix, as well as other popular streaming sites.

The provider’s global server network includes more than 3,300 servers stationed in over 84 countries.

It offers native support for most popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with numerous router makes and models.

Up to 10 devices can be connected at once on a single set of login credentials.

PIA’s download speeds are certainly not the fastest on this list. However, the provider’s connections are easily up to handling most popular online pastimes, including streaming, gaming, and more. The provider never spoils a viewing binge by imposing data caps or bandwidth throttling on their customers’ usage.

It offers top-notch protected connections, protected by government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. Ads, tracking, malware, and dangerous websites can all be blocked by the provider.

PIA servers are run sans user logs and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment. This helps protect both your usage and payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to sign up when using Bitcoin to add an additional layer of privacy.)

PIA support options include a live support chat option, a trouble ticket tracking form, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO NETFLIX JAPAN:Private Internet Access delivers reliable access to Japanese Netflix, as well as other geo-moderated streaming services. The provider offers fast, well-protected connections, making it an above-average choice for your VPN services. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may have a somewhat lacking global server network, but it provides reliable access to streaming services, including Netflix in Japan.

That global server network includes just over 200 servers thinly spread out among 60+ countries. However, there are servers located in Japan.

This provider’s connections are more than up to streaming both HD and 4K content and should stream without extended buffering delays. Those fast connections will also provide an enjoyable online gaming and file sharing experience.

Military-grade encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch help protect your online activities. The connections are also not subject to any bandwidth limitations or data caps, so start your streaming binge!

PrivateVPN protects your privacy by accepting Bitcoin as payment and not tracking you or recording your activities while connected to their network of servers.

Native app support is limited to the big four device platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android). However, users can also take advantage of the provider’s router compatibility to protect the rest of their connected devices. (That also comes in handy if 10 concurrent connections aren’t enough for your needs.) No browser extensions to be found here.

Live chat, email, and an FAQ page make up the VPN’s customer support options.

SECURE NETFLIX JAPAN ACCESS:PrivateVPN may not have the largest global server network around, but its network does a good job of accessing content in the areas of the world that it serves. The provider’s connection speeds make it a great choice for streaming and gaming. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s global server network provides safe, fast, and reliable access to streaming services, including Japanese Netflix.

The provider’s global server network is the second smallest on this list, spanning a mere 750+ servers in 42+ countries. That said, the network delivers reliable access to Netflix Japan and other streaming services.

Atlas VPN connections deliver above-average download speeds, and your online fun is never ruined by data caps or bandwidth limitations.

The provider’s banking-grade encryption, automatic kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protective measures help keep your online activities undercover. Its proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features keep you protected against various online browsing perils while also blocking unwanted ads.

User tracking logs are nowhere to be found on Atlas VPN servers. Unfortunately, paying with cryptocurrency is not an option.

Native app options include offerings for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Unfortunately, at the time of this article, the provider offers no support for Linux, browser extensions, or routers. However, the provider has announced that all three are in development.

Atlas VPN puts no limit on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to its servers on a single account.

Live agent chat is only available to paying customers. However, email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all.

UNLIMITED ACCESS TO NETFLIX:Atlas VPN provides reliable access:  to streamers, including Netflix Japan. It also provides reliable access to other geo-controlled content. Users can connect an unlimited number of devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Netflix Japan

If you’re searching for a VPN that will allow you to stream all of your favorite Netflix Japan content you need to consider several features. After all, not just any VPN will provide reliable access to Netflix Japan’s streams.

Here are the critical features you should consider when deciding on which VPN provider best fits your unique needs:

• Connection speeds: You need a fast internet connection if you expect to enjoy your VPN-provided streaming experience. Slow connections can cause extended buffering times, pauses right in the middle of the action, and other issues. I conduct connection speed tests on a regular basis to assure that each VPN on my lists offers streaming-ready connection speeds.
• Streaming access: Reliable access to Netflix and other streamers is vital for an enjoyable streaming experience. All of the VPNs on my list offer reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
• Global server network: A large global server network is advantageous, no matter what online activity you engage in. Also, a large number of servers located in each country is another advantage, as it helps ensure that a single server won’t be hit with too many users, slowing its performance.
• Value: A VPN should ask for a reasonable price for its service offerings. All of the VPNs I include on my lists offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: Easy-to-use VPN apps should also offer native support for your favorite device, browser, or router. The VPNs I include on my lists offer easy-to-use apps for most popular devices.
• Security and privacy: Your VPN of choice should offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection at a minimum. All of my VPN picks provide these protections and some providers offer additional protections. None of the providers on my list save any user logs.

My research does not end here, as these are just a few of the factors I consider as a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven research offers a better understanding of these VPNs and their service offerings. This allows me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Watch Japanese Netflix Using a VPN

Using a VPN to access Netflix content in Japan requires you to follow only a few easy steps.

How to Watch Japanese Netflix Using a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a Japanese Netflix-capable VPN provider. (I use NordVPN.)
2. Install the provider’s VPN app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a server located in Japan.
5. Load the Netflix app or website and start binging!

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Netflix Japan?

Even though it’s considered impolite in Japan to say this, I must say “No.”

First off, Netflix is always on the lookout for viewers who are using a VPN to access their service. When the streaming provider detects a VPN IP address, they blacklist them. Pure and simple.

When they do this, it’s up to the VPN provider to set up a new IP address. Then Netflix discovers that IP address, blacklists it, and the whole vicious cycle begins anew.

This virtual chess game requires a VPN provider to have plenty of resources in order to stay in the battle of wits. Do you really think a “free” VPN will have the resources to stay in the game?

A free VPN is simply not going to offer reliable access to Netflix in any country. Plus, when you connect to a free VPN provider, in many cases your server selection is limited to a few countries. And that’s only if the provider doesn’t automatically connect you to a server of their choice.

More reasons not to attempt to use a free VPN to access Netflix include the fact that many freebie providers throttle their users’ internet connections and impose daily or monthly data caps as well. Neither of those “features” is exactly comparable to a satisfactory streaming experience.

There are also privacy concerns with using a “free” VPN. Sans-cost VPN providers have been known to track their users’ online activities and then sell that information to advertisers and other interested parties. Still, other VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their customers’ browsing sessions.

Sorry, but none of the above adds up to any good reason to try a free VPN. It’s better to budget a few bucks per month for VPN protection. It’s worth it in the long run.

What Else Is a VPN Good for?

While the focus of this article has been on using a VPN to access Netflix Japan, a VPN is not a one-trick pony. There are plenty of other reasons to subscribe to and use a VPN provider.

In addition to Netflix, a VPN can open access to content that might normally be unavailable in your area.

While this includes Netflix and other popular video streaming services, a VPN can also open access to gaming servers, websites, and other services that may be blocked by the services themselves, your government or Internet Service Provider, or your school or employer.

A VPN can also prevent your ISP from throttling your connection speeds. Believe it or not, some ISPs will throttle your connection speeds if they detect you’re engaging in P2P file-sharing or accessing websites and services they don’t approve of.

Last but certainly not least, a VPN can protect your privacy and enhance your security when you’re online. A VPN encases a user’s internet connection in a shell of encryption, which acts as a tunnel, protecting your online travels from observation.

This encrypted protection comes in particularly handy for road warriors and others who make regular use of unprotected WiFi hotspots, such as those found in coffee shops, hotel rooms, and even your local Sam’s Club.

Most WiFi hotspots aren’t encrypted, leaving your online travels vulnerable to observation and even data theft. A VPN’s encrypted protection keeps your activities safe from the bad guys.

Netflix Japan VPN FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re like me, you like to take a little bit of home with you when you’re traveling. And if your little bit of home is Netflix Japan, a VPN can provide access to your favorite shows and movies.

Using a VPN – such as my #1 provider, NordVPN – delivers your favorite form of entertainment, with no connection throttling or data caps. It also protects your internet travels from prying eyes, while opening access to content from around the globe.

For more information about NordVPN, visit the provider’s website.