Updated on: April 26, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for Netflix Japan in 2024:
- 🥇ExpressVPN: Works with the Netflix Japan library 100% of the time (confirmed by its customer support reps). It maintains industry-leading speeds, provides top-notch security features, and has user-friendly apps.
Netflix has a unique content library for each country because of its licensing agreements. This means that you won’t be able to watch Netflix Japan if you’re located outside of Japan.
Netflix can tell which country you’re located by your IP address. A VPN can change your IP address to virtually any location in the world, including Japan. So, in theory, you could use a VPN to access Netflix Japan from another country. However, please keep in mind that this could constitute copyright infringement and is against Netflix’s Terms of Service.
However, not all VPNs are a good choice for watching Netflix Japan. Many of them don’t work with Netflix’s Japan library, have slow speeds for streaming, and lack key security features.
I spent a few weeks researching the best VPNs for Netflix Japan. My top choice is ExpressVPN, as it reliably works with Netflix Japan, has super-fast speeds, and includes strong security features.
Quick summary of the best VPNs for Netflix Japan:
- 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Netflix Japan in 2024 (with industry-leading speeds + top security).
- 2. 🥈Private Internet Access — Great VPN for watching Netflix Japan on mobile devices (with strong privacy features).
- 3. 🥉CyberGhost VPN — Good VPN with dedicated servers for streaming Netflix Japan (with automation rules).
- 4. NordVPN — Solid VPN for safe & secure streaming on Netflix Japan (with fast speeds).
- 5. Surfshark— Good option for users new to VPNs (with intuitive apps + affordable plans).
Neither I nor anyone at Safety Detectives condone copyright infringement. We don’t support any actions that go against laws protecting intellectual property. The VPNs on this list have no-logs policies that prevent them from monitoring your online activities. This means that you’re responsible for how you use a VPN. I recommend complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Netflix Japan
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Netflix Japan — it reliably works with the Netflix Japan library as confirmed by its support reps. Plus, my colleagues in Japan were able to watch Japanese Netflix without any issues. In addition, the VPN is compatible with 100+ streaming platforms, such as Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
I was impressed with the VPN’s speeds. Netflix’s site always loaded instantly while I was connected to a server in my country, and HD and 4K videos played without any interruptions. This isn’t surprising, as ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market. In addition, the VPN has multiple server locations in Japan, including Shibuya, two in Tokyo, and Yokohama — so it’s easy to find fast nearby servers.
This VPN offers split-tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet network. For example, you can route only your Netflix traffic through the VPN and increase your speeds for streaming.
I’m a big fan of ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature, which is a smart DNS tool that allows you to use the VPN on devices like smart TVs that don’t have native VPN support. Although MediaStreamer requires a manual setup, it shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes to set it up if you follow the provider’s tutorials.
This provider has user-friendly apps. It has a Shortcuts feature that lets you create 1-click connections to your favorite apps or sites, like Netflix. They’ll appear on your screen after you connect to a server. Plus, there’s a Smart Location tool, which automatically connects you to the fastest server in your location.
The VPN is very secure. There’s full leak protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. It has perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key for each session, and RAM-only servers that erase all data with every reset.
ExpressVPN has plans starting at $6.67 / month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix Japan. It works with the Netflix Japan library 100% of the time. The VPN maintains very fast speeds, has split-tunneling, a smart DNS feature, and user-friendly apps. On top of that, it has strong security and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Watching Netflix Japan on Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access (PIA) has highly customizable Android and iOS apps, which makes it easy to watch Netflix Japan on the go. I like how you can easily change protocols, encryption levels, and proxies to get faster speeds for streaming. Plus, it lets you set rules on automated connections, like whether to connect to the VPN when accessing unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
The VPN works with Netflix Japan — it has a streaming-optimized server in Japan. On top of Netflix, PIA is compatible with 30+ streaming sites, like Amazon Prime and Disney+. While PIA doesn’t have multiple server locations in Japan, like ExpressVPN, it recommends using the streaming server in Japan for watching Netflix.
PIA maintains fast speeds. Netflix’s sites loaded instantly, HD videos played without any buffering, and 4K videos took 1–2 seconds to load. That said, PIA is slower than ExpressVPN.
I found the VPN’s apps super intuitive. I like that all settings and features have useful explanations, so beginners won’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, all features are set to default. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections. This way, you can stream Netflix Japan on all of your devices.
This VPN has great extra features for streaming, like smart DNS and split-tunneling. I really like PIA’s split-tunneling feature, which lets you split-tunneling IP addresses, in addition to apps. This lets you route only Netflix’s site through the VPN instead of the entire browser.
It has RAM-only servers, full leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. Plus, all of its apps are open-source so anyone can inspect the code for security issues. It also has PIA MACE, the best ad blocker on the market, which can prevent you from visiting shady sites when you’re not streaming Netflix. Another useful feature is Identity Guard, which alerts you if your email (or other personal information) is leaked on the dark web. This way, you can find out if your credentials for your Netflix account are compromised.
Private Internet Access has affordable plans that start at $2.03 / month. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access is a great option for streaming Netflix Japan on mobile with its customizable mobile apps. The VPN also has optimized servers for streaming in Japan and is compatible with 30+ streaming sites. Moreover, it maintains fast speeds, has extra features for streaming, and top security. Its plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Servers for Streaming Netflix Japan
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated servers for streaming 15+ Netflix libraries, including Netflix Japan. My colleague in Japan was able to watch Japanese Netflix with CyberGhost without any issues, and customer support confirmed it works with the library.
The VPN also has really good streaming support — in addition to its dedicated Netflix servers, it has streaming servers for DAZN Japan and Amazon Prime Japan. Plus, it has a smart DNS too.
This provider is pretty fast. Netflix’s site loaded in 1–2 seconds, HD videos loaded in 2 seconds and didn’t buffer, and 4K videos took only 4–5 seconds to load and there was only minor buffering when skipping through the videos. Plus, CyberGhost has only one server location in Japan (Tokyo) but it has over 200 servers in the city for faster connections. However, ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are still a bit faster.
I’m a big fan of CyberGhost’s intuitive apps. The Smart Rules feature lets you automate your VPN connections. For instance, you can set the VPN to automatically launch the Netflix app after you connect to the dedicated Netflix Japan server.
In addition to using RAM-only servers, you get perfect forward secrecy, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, but it lacks protection against WebRTC leaks — this is easy to manually disable. Plus, CyberGhost has a similar feature as PIA’s Identity Guard, which detects if your email has been leaked on the dark web.
CyberGhost VPN’s affordable plans start as low as $2.03 / month. The long-term plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee, and the shortest plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated servers for streaming Netflix Japan. It also works with 50+ streaming platforms and has fast speeds. The VPN allows you to automate your connections and offers top-notch security features. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its longest plan and a 14-day money-back guarantee on the shortest one.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
4. NordVPN — Solid Netflix Japan VPN With Strong Security + Fast Speeds
NordVPN has strong security features for a safe streaming experience on Netflix Japan. It comes with full leak protection, RAM-only servers, and perfect forward secrecy. Plus, there’s an ad blocker called Threat Protection, which blocks ads, and trackers and protects you from malicious sites.
I had fast speeds with NordVPN. Netflix’s site loaded in 3 seconds, HD videos took 4–5 seconds to load with buffering, and 4K videos took 6 seconds to start playing. That said, NordVPN is slower than ExpressVPN.
I like that NordVPN’s apps have a Quick Connect feature, which automatically connects you to the fastest servers. What’s more, the desktop apps have an interactive digital map that lets you use country pins to pick servers. Plus, there are location bubbles, which let you connect to specific cities (servers are located in Tokyo and Osaka).
NordVPN has plans starting at $3.09 / month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN has strong security features and works with Netflix Japan. It has fast speeds and an intuitive interface, which makes it easier to find a server. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Surfshark — Intuitive VPN With Affordable Plans
Surfshark’s apps are very easy to navigate. The VPN has an intuitive interface for simple navigation. Plus, all settings and features have helpful explanations, which is great for beginners. The provider offers affordable plans, so it’s a great pick for those on a budget.
It also has great security features like DNS leak protection and extras like CleanWeb (a decent ad blocker) and IP Rotator, which regularly refreshes your IP address without disconnecting the VPN — this helps prevent the streaming service from blocking you.
The VPN performed well in my tests — the Netflix site loaded in 4 seconds, HD videos loaded in 5 seconds and 4K videos in 7–8 seconds. That said, I had faster speeds with ExpressVPN.
Surfshark’s affordable plans start at $2.29 / month. Every plan is backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is an intuitive VPN with affordable plans. It also works with Netflix Japan, has fast speeds, comes with cool extras, and offers beginner-friendly apps. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Netflix Japan in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Netflix Japan in 2024
- Choose a VPN that works with Netflix Japan. All the VPNs on this list reliably work with Netflix Japan, allowing you to watch your favorite content 100% of the time.
- Consider streaming support. Since you probably watch more than just Netflix, make sure that the VPN works with a variety of streaming platforms. The VPNs I recommend work with many streaming sites, like Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
- Pick a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption process but top VPNs can maintain fast speeds across all servers. ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds in my tests.
- Get a VPN with strong security features. I only recommend VPNs that come with industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch to protect you from traffic leaks, and a no-logs policy that stops the VPN from logging your data.
- Look for a VPN that provides good value. All the VPNs on this list come with extra features that are useful for streaming, like split-tunneling and a smart DNS feature. They also offer generous money-back guarantees and have affordable plans.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- IPVanish. IPVanish consistently works with Netflix Japan, but it lacks protection against WebRTC leaks and doesn’t use RAM-only servers. Plus, it can take up to 30 seconds to connect to a server.
- VyprVPN. VyprVPN has decent streaming support for Netflix Japan, but it’s a bit pricey. In addition, split-tunneling is only available on Android and Mac.
- PrivateVPN. PrivateVPN’s iOS app lacks a kill switch and the VPN is missing split-tunneling. What’s more, PrivateVPN isn’t as fast as the other VPNs on my list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for Netflix Japan?
ExpressVPN is my top choice for Netflix Japan. It reliably works with the Japanese library as confirmed by my colleague in Japan and the provider’s customer support reps. Moreover, the VPN maintains fast speeds and has strong security features. Plus, it has a smart DNS so you can use the VPN on devices like smart TVs and game consoles that don’t have VPN apps.
Can I use a free VPN for Netflix Japan?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs don’t work with Netflix or offer a server in Japan, which means you won’t be able to access your Netflix Japan library. Out of the few VPNs that allow you to access a Japanese server and work with Netflix Japan, most of them have a monthly or daily data cap, which means you can only watch a limited amount of content.
I recommend purchasing a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN. It works with Netflix Japan 100% of the time, allows unlimited data, and has industry-leading speeds.
What’s the fastest VPN for Netflix Japan?
ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds in my tests. Websites loaded instantly, and HD and 4K videos played right away without any interruptions. I also like that ExpressVPN offers servers in 3 different Japanese locations, so you can connect to the server that is closest to you to get the fastest speeds.
Are there any legal implications for using a VPN for Netflix Japan?
Using a VPN to watch Netflix content in a different country than where you’re located is against Netflix’s Terms of Service and it could constitute copyright infringement. I recommend staying updated on the local laws and regulations and complying with them.
