Best VPNs for Netflix Japan That Actually Work in 2024

Netflix is, by all standards, the world’s largest streaming service. With almost 200 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix holds the reins when it comes to streaming. Apart from a few locations (China, North Korea, Syria, and Crimea), Netflix is available worldwide.

One thing that sets Netflix apart from other streaming services is the fact that it can offer content from different climes and countries around the world. Also, it has unique content that different countries can access. An example would be the content available on the Japanese version of Netflix.

Netflix Japan has garnered a lot of fans around the world with its great content. However, people outside of Japan cannot view all this awesome content. This is due to geographical restrictions. At first, this might seem impossible, but there is a solution, and that’s through using a VPN.

With a good VPN, you can overcome geographical restrictions and get access to all the content you desire.

Top Recommended VPNs for Netflix Japan

There is only one way to get Netflix Japan, and that is the VPN way. However, not all VPNs have what it takes to defeat Netflix’s strong firewall. You need the right VPN to get access. Well, you don’t have to worry about that. We have done the hard part. Now we present to you the top-recommended VPNs you can use to access Netflix Japan.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

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There is no doubting the fact that ExpressVPN is the cream of the crop VPN at the moment. It offers the best of services you could demand of a VPN. With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN ensures that users can get excellent and stable connections to any part of the world. It also has servers in Japan, which makes it a perfect choice for Streaming Japanese Netflix.

Its headquarters is in the British Virgin Islands, a region with no stringent laws on data privacy. This makes it easy for them to operate a No-Log policy. This means that they keep no record of the user’s data.

ExpressVPN is a perfect choice for streaming. It can bypass the Netflix firewall, something only a handful of VPNs can achieve. You can access the Netflix versions of different countries, including Japan. It has dedicated servers for Netflix, which makes it easier to connect and stream. You also have unlimited bandwidth and blazing speed that lets you stream without any hitch.

Additionally, ExpressVPN offers excellent security. It combines the AES 256-bit encryption along with other security features to create an impenetrable security system.

ExpressVPN has broad platform support. You will find apps for all mobile devices, PCs, game consoles, smart TVs, and routers. Whatever device you choose to stream Netflix with, you can be sure ExpressVPN has got you covered. You can also log in on 5 devices simultaneously. This is the industry standard.

ExpressVPN has various plans and pricing, but the best deal is its 12-month plan, which starts at $8.32. Its monthly plan costs $12.95. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

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NordVPN remains one of the top VPNs in the market. It has maintained an excellent standard for an extended period. This has consequently earned it a seemingly eternal place among the top-tier providers.

NordVPN has extensive server coverage. With over 5000 servers available in 59 countries (Japan inclusive), it offers its stable and robust connection to users worldwide. Its multiplicity of servers rules off any occurrence of lagging due to server overloading.

Based in Panama, the VPN company is out of the reach of any tight data laws and can live up to its No-Log policy.

When it comes to streaming, the VPN offers excellent support. You can stream at least 10 different Netflix libraries, including Japan. With NordVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth and blistering speed.

NordVPN has dedicated apps for different platforms. Although it cannot measure up to ExpressVPN, it offers quite a level of support, which includes Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, etc. You can also log in on different devices simultaneously. It allows 6 simultaneous connections. This makes it possible to watch Netflix on all your other devices.

NordVPN offers an outstanding level of security. Combining the AES 256-bit encryption with other security features makes it possible to provide top-notch security for its users.

NordVPN offers excellent options for plans and pricing. Its best offer is the 2-year plan, which starts at $3.71 per month. It also has a 1-year plan ($4.92 per month) and a monthly plan($11.95 per month).

Best for Connecting Multiple Devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

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Surfshark is the newbie VPN that is taking the VPN market by storm.  Although it recently surfaced, it has earned a place for itself at the top-tier, and you would see why soon enough.

Surfshark has a decent server coverage with over 1700 servers in 60 countries worldwide (including Japan). Its servers are stable and fast. This makes it an excellent option for streaming.

The VPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, far away from all the data laws. This makes it easy to live up to its no-log policy, which keeps no record of users’ data.

Surfshark is an excellent option for streaming Netflix. It can access 15 Netflix libraries (including the Japanese Library) with no hassle. It offers blistering speed and unlimited bandwidth. This all comes together to give you the best of streaming experiences.

Surfshark is also a giant when it comes to device support. It is on another level entirely. It has dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS, FireTV, Apple TV, game consoles, and browser extensions. Surfshark allows an unlimited amount of devices to log in simultaneously. This means you can log in on as many devices as you want. Nothing stops you from watching Netflix when you want it, where you want it, however you want it.

Surfshark has an airtight security system. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption system along with other security features, creating a robust security system. Some of these other security features include a kill switch, split tunneling features as well as features for DNS and IP leak prevention.

Surfshark has excellent plans and pricing. It offers some of the lowest deals among VPNs. For a top-tier VPN, that’s somewhat surprising. Its 24-month plan starts at $2.49 monthly. Its monthly plan costs $12.95. 

A solid veteran

HideMyAss

Overall score: 8.5

• Free service trial
• Strong security features
• 256-bit AES encryption
• $2.79/month (save 75%)

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HideMyAss (HMA) is another VPN service we recommend for Netflix. This VPN has extensive server coverage. Its 1100+ servers are distributed across 290 countries—quite a broad coverage for a VPN. With HMA, you can access almost any country in the world (including Japan). Its servers are fast and reliable. Once connected, you can rest assured of a great experience.

HMA is UK-based, which makes the efficiency of its No-Log policy a wonder. It operates a robust security system, which combines the AES 256-bit military-grade encryption with other strong security features to create a hack-proof security system. While streaming on Netflix, you can rest assured of unimpeached security the whole time.

HMA is equally great when it comes to streaming. It can unblock Netflix for Japan easily. Its speed and unlimited bandwidth makes your streaming experience a delight.

HMA also supports a ton of devices. It offers dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Routers, Xbox, and Playstation. This means you can stream Netflix from wherever you are, using any device of your choice. Also, you can connect up to 5 different devices simultaneously. While this is a relatively small number, it can suffice for a small family.

HMA is on the high side when you consider the pricing and plans. Its 36-month plan starts at $2.99 per month. Its monthly plan goes for $11.99. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Within this window, you can request and be granted a refund, no questions asked.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.0

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

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ProtonVPN is another great choice you can try out. The Swiss-based VPN has a server coverage of about 1061 servers in 54 countries. While this may not compare to the extensive coverage that some other VPNs offer, it’s sufficient. Its servers are, however, fast and stable, which makes it a good choice for streaming.

ProtonVPN was built with unblocking in mind. Thus, it has features that enable it to unblock platforms with ease. With it, you can successfully unblock the Japanese version of Netflix and stream your favorite shows. The unlimited bandwidth that it offers makes your streaming experience seamless.

ProtonVPN supports several platforms. These include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and routers. This means that you can stream your favorite shows on a host of devices. It also allows 10 devices to connect simultaneously.

ProtonVPN also offers top-notch security and privacy. It operates a No-Log policy, which means it doesn’t store user data. For security, it combines the AES 256-bit encryption along with Tor over VPN to achieve an airtight security system.

ProtonVPN is quite pricey. Its best plan is the Plus plan, which starts at $8 per month. A bi-annual subscription on this plan would help you save a whopping 33%. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a free version with limited services.

Easiest to use based on our tests

UltraVPN

Overall score: 0

• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Cheap subscription plan. Starting at $6.99, save 22%

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UltraVPN is a rather decent VPN as it does not compare to the other top-tier VPNs. It’s a relatively new VPN with room for improvement. It offers a coverage of 100 servers across 50 countries. While this may not compare to what other VPNs can offer (in terms of servers), it is fair enough. Its connection is strong and stable. You can use UltraVPN to access Japan.

UltraVPN offers a No-Log policy and great security. This is one of its power points. It combines the AES 256-bit encryption with a host of other security features to provide maximum protection. While you access Netflix Japan, you need not be concerned about security.

UltraVPN can unblock Netflix. You can also access the Japanese version of Netflix using this VPN. It offers good speed and unlimited bandwidth, which makes streaming seamless and effortless.

It supports several devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Fire TV. It allows a total of 3 devices to connect simultaneously using an account. This is rather little compared with what is obtainable on other VPNs on this list.

For plans and pricing, UltraVPN is fair, but when you compare it with other VPNs on this list, it is obvious you could get way better from the others. Its best bet is the 12-month plan, which starts at $3.75 per month. It also offers a 30 -day money-back guarantee.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

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With the popularity and reputation that precedes it, CyberGhost remains one of the top-tier VPNs to look out for. Since 2005, CyberGhost has served users around the world. It has one of the broadest server coverage among VPNs. With over 7100 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost offers a reliable and robust connection to users worldwide.

It is based in Romania, out of the reach of all strict data privacy policies. It offers a No-Log policy. This means that it keeps no record of users’ data.  Furthermore, this provider has rather strong security features. It makes use of the standard AES 256-bit encryption on its servers. In addition, it has a slew of security features that make sure you do not get compromised. With CyberGhost, your security is secured.

CyberGhost can unblock anything (including Netflix). You can access the Japanese version of Netflix using this VPN. It offers top speed and unlimited bandwidth.

It also supports a host of devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Amazon FireStick, Xbox, Playstation, and Routers. It allows a total of 7 devices to log in simultaneously.

Its plans and pricing are one of the fairest you can find on the top-tier. Its best plan, which is a 3-year plan, starts at $2.25 per month. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Why We Recommend These VPNs

There are many VPN services available out there. And a ton of them claim they can unblock Netflix. We have discovered that Netflix regularly updates its firewalls and cuts down the number of VPNs that can bypass their firewalls. The VPNs we have recommended are some of the few that have survived Netflix’s blacklisting. They can still unblock the streaming service, particularly its Japanese version.

We also took into consideration some other metrics before settling on these providers. Find those below.

Server Coverage

The first criteria we considered was server coverage. Every one of the VPNs we have recommended has good server coverage. Some of them even have dedicated servers for streaming. They all have servers in Japan also. Thus, you can reliably access Netflix Japan with any of those.

Speed

One future that significantly affects streaming is the speed of servers. Without good speed, you cannot enjoy doing anything on the net. All of the VPNs on our list offer great speed. Some have dedicated servers optimized for streaming. These servers prioritize speed, hence, if you connect to any of those in Japan, you can rest assured of zero lags and buffering while streaming.

Privacy and Security

There is no good VPN that doesn’t offer excellent security and privacy. This is a significant score point every VPN pays attention to. We can boldly say that all the VPNs we have recommended offer maximum security and optimum privacy. For the latter, they all operate a No-Log policy. For the former, they all make use of the best encryption technology in the world (the AES 256-bit encryption.) These VPNs can cover your track online and make you invincible. You don’t have to worry about your security and privacy if you use one of our recommended VPNs.

Streaming and Unblocking Prowess

Another salient feature that makes a great VPN is robust streaming and unblocking prowess. All the VPNs on this list are great at unblocking content. For this article, our concern is the Japanese version of Netflix. All of our recommended VPNs can unblock Netflix Japan. They all offer unlimited bandwidth also. This makes for smooth and hitch-free streaming.

Platforms Supported

Netflix is available across a host of platforms. The ideal VPN to stream Netflix must equally support a host of platforms. All of our recommended VPNs support a host of platforms, which include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and a host of others.

In cases where your device is not supported, you can always connect it to the VPN, using your PC as a virtual router. The VPNs also allow multiple devices to log in simultaneously. This means that our VPNs have you covered to watch Netflix any day, any time, and on any device of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best VPNs for Netflix Japan

Is it legal to unblock Netflix Japan with a VPN?

Yes, it’s perfectly lawful to access Netflix’s Japanese library with a VPN. This is because using a VPN is legal in Japan and many other countries worldwide. Indeed, Netflix doesn’t support VPNs. However, this doesn’t make VPN usage illegal. As long as you don’t engage in unlawful activities with your VPN, you shouldn’t have any issues with law enforcement. 

Can I use a free VPN for Netflix Japan?

Yes, you can unblock Netflix Japan with a free VPN. However, finding a free VPN that will bypass Netflix’s tough geo-restrictions will be challenging. Moreover, even if you find a suitable VPN, you’ll still have to deal with other issues. For example, many free VPNs don’t have reliable security and privacy features. Worse still, these VPNs often have data caps. Now, imagine using a free VPN with data caps and slow streaming speeds. There’s just no way you’ll enjoy streaming Netflix’s Japanese content.

How do I get a Japanese IP address?

You need a Japanese IP address to watch Netflix Japan abroad. Fortunately, getting a Japanese IP address is a pretty straightforward process. All you have to do is sign up for a VPN with servers in Japan. Then, in the country list, choose and connect to a Japanese server. This connection will automatically grant you a Japanese IP address. With this new IP address, you can then unblock and watch Netflix Japan.

Is it legal to stream Japanese anime?

Yes, it’s lawful to stream Japanese anime within and outside Japan. However, the legality of your streaming often depends on your streaming platform. Unlawful streaming sites are those that don’t have the copyright owner’s permission to distribute content. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this issue. This is because Netflix has rights to distribute all the content on their platform.

What can I watch after unblocking Netflix Japan?

Netflix Japan is home to several entertaining materials. For example, you can stream anime series like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Attack on Titan, Black Clover, Jujutsu Kaisen, Haikyu, and Kuroko’s Basketball. In addition, you can access hit Japanese TV shows like Yasuke, I am Mita; Your Housekeeper, Kakegurui, Asuka High School Match, and Alice in Borderland.

Conclusion

Streaming Netflix can only be a delight when you can watch whatever it is you want to watch. With a VPN, that can become your everyday reality. All you have to do is choose from our list of recommended VPNs. In no time, you would be enjoying the world of Netflix Japan. See you in Japan and happy streaming.