Japan is one of the most fascinating countries to live in or travel to. However, there are a couple of things that you should know about Japan when it comes to the internet. There is some degree of censorship, there are copyright penalties, and you can’t access a good number of streaming services located abroad. This is why a VPN is needed there, and that’s why I’m reviewing the best VPN for Japan in this article.
The Best VPN for Japan – Quick View
You’re likely to get a headache once you come across the multitudes of VPN service providers available on the market. Remember, a VPN with high ratings on the applications store doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best for you. You should carefully consider the option it offers. Any decent VPN provider should offer privileges like these:
- The ability to visit restricted websites, watch geo-blocked channels and get restricted services.
- Protect your online data with good encryptions.
- Cloak your IP and browse anonymously.
Check this table to see what I’m talking about before I dive in deeper into the review.
Editor's Choice | Provider Editor's Choice | Rating | Stats | Visit |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Price Security Features Speed Support | ||
2 | ![]() | Price Security Features Speed Support | ||
3 | ![]() | Price Security Features Speed Support | ||
4 | ![]() | Price Security Features Speed Support |
The Top VPNs for Japan
VPNs are an important addition to your internet security. But with so many providers to choose from, including free VPNs, some of which are scams posing as protectors, you’re going to spend some considerable time mulling over the decision over which VPN to choose. That’s why I did the research to make it easier for you. These 4 top VPN providers were handpicked, tested, and proven to literally satisfy your every online need. My tests where all about the VPNs ability to bypass geo-restrictions, increase your security, and keep your internet’s speed as is or maybe even make it faster. Now, with that said, here’s your top VPN for Japan in a detailed analysis.
ExpressVPN
Express VPN has user-friendly applications for several devices. It also adds an extra layer of security to your devices with its high-security encryptions and DNS leak protection, not to mention the internet kill switch. ExpressVPN also gives you the chance to use 3 devices at the same time with one subscription. It keeps no logs either. And with servers around 90 different countries, you’ll get your share of restricted material. Other features presented below:
- Servers in over 94 countries.
- Costs 12.95$ dollars a month.
- Connects 3 simultaneous devices.
- No log policy.
- Live chat support.
- 30-day cash-back.
- MediaStream Smart DNS.
IPVanish
With an impressive server network and security protocols, IPVanish is a serious VPN for any user. And although its HQ is in the US, typically not a good thing, its no logs policy means that you have nothing to worry about. IPVanish secures your internet connection with 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection. You can see what I’m talking about when you check what it offers:
- Zero traffic logs.
- 10 simultaneous devices.
- 256-bit AES encryption.
- Kill Switch.
- 1 month for 10$, 3 months subscription for 8.99$ a month, and a yearly package for 6.49$ a month.
- Servers across 60+ countries.
- 7-day money back policy.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
NordVPN
Well according to what we see, NordVPN is too good to be true. However, the client is not cheap so don’t worry, you are paying for what you’re getting. You can always benefit from what their servers have to offer. They use OpenVPN tunneling protocol and AES 256-bit encryption (with double data protection).
- Keeps no logs.
- 30-day money back.
- Thousands of servers around the world.
- AES-256-CBC with a 2048-bit DH key.
- Double VPN.
- 24/7 award-winning VPN support.
- Kill Switch.
- Six simultaneous connections.
BulletVPN
Bullet VPN is kind of expensive, but if you’re a heavy streamer, then it might be your best option. But the provider is transparent and offers good privacy and security measures. It’s also a user-friendly software, so beginners will appreciate the simplicity. Other than that, check the following.
- A reasonable server distribution.
- Keeps no logs.
- Easy to use.
- Allows P2P torrenting
- 3 devices per subscription.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- 30-day refund guarantee
Why is a VPN Needed in Japan – Main Reasons
Streaming or downloading copyrighted material in Japan is considered to be a criminal act. You can get yourself thrown in prison or incur a huge financial penalty if you’re caught in the act. Not to mention that if you’re inside Japan, streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, the BBC iPlayer, and more won’t be available. One more thing, there are reports that the government may be monitoring your online activities every once in a while. This is why a VPN is certainly needed there.
Security and Privacy
Following the Fukushima incident, the Japanese government increased internet censorship, claiming that it was trying to combat the spread of false and harmful rumors. The Computer Network Monitoring Law was passed and that means that you might be tracked as we speak. Another thing to worry about while online is the unfortunate, yet the ever-present threat of cyber attacks or and hacking attempts to steal your online data.
With a VPN, your online traffic will be encrypted, which means that all the data that you send and receive will be completely safe. And to avoid any prying eyes, the IP address cloaking means that you will be able to browse the web without being tracked at all.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Having a Japanese IP address can be frustrating at times since it limits your access to a lot of content online. For example, if you hold a Japanese IP address, accessing streaming channels like US Netflix, Hulu, or CW TV is not possible.
In this case, all you need to do is get a VPN to fix this problem. A VPN can help you connect to servers scattered around the world. Once you connect to a server, you will obtain an IP address from the country where the server is located. So take US Netflix for example. It’s only available in America. But if you connect to an American server, you will take on a US IP address and all American TV channel will be accessible in Japan.
Anonymous Torrenting
Japan doesn’t tolerate the use of torrents. You may be convicted for at least two years of prison if you get caught with an attempt to download. However, when you’re connected to a VPN server, your identity will be cloaked. Therefore, you can download all you want without having to worry about who’s watching. Note that illegal actions are not what I intend to spread. This is only to download harmless content that shouldn’t be blocked.
You can do that by using a VPN. If you connect to one of the VPN’s servers, your IP address will be cloaked. That way when you download a file someone else is sharing, you’ll be hidden behind the IP address provided by the VPN. Risking exposure and being tracked is not a problem anymore with a Virtual Private Network. So download all you want, browse anonymously, and enjoy the internet freely in Japan.
The Best VPN for Japan – Wrapping Up
I did my part and shed some light on 4 of the best VPNs to use in Japan. Now, it’s your turn to check what I had to say and pick your VPN provider as it suits your needs.