Best VPN for Japan in 2026: Access Japanese Content
Whether you’re in Japan and want to access overseas content, or outside Japan wanting Japanese content (anime, J-drama, J-League), you need a VPN with fast, reliable Japan servers.
Top 5 VPNs for Japan
1. NordVPN — Best Japan Servers
Get NordVPN → | $2.99/month
80+ Japan servers in Tokyo and Osaka. Fastest speeds for streaming Japanese Netflix, AbemaTV, and TVer. NordLynx provides excellent performance.
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Reliability
Get ExpressVPN → | $6.67/month
Multiple Japan server locations. Consistent unblocking of Japanese streaming services. MediaStreamer for smart TVs.
3. Surfshark — Best Budget Option
Get Surfshark → | $1.99/month
Japan servers in Tokyo. Works with Japanese Netflix, Amazon Prime Japan, and AbemaTV. Unlimited devices.
4. ProtonVPN — Best Free Japan VPN
Get ProtonVPN → | Free (Japan servers on free tier)
One of the few free VPNs with Japan servers. Unlimited data. Perfect for occasional use.
5. CyberGhost — Best Streaming Servers
Get CyberGhost → | $2.03/month
Dedicated streaming servers for Japanese Netflix and other services. 45-day money-back guarantee.
What You Can Access with a Japan VPN
From Outside Japan:
- 🎌 Japanese Netflix (exclusive anime, J-drama)
- 📺 AbemaTV (free Japanese TV)
- 📺 TVer (free Japanese catch-up TV)
- 📺 U-NEXT, Hulu Japan, dTV
- ⚽ DAZN Japan (J-League, baseball)
- 🎮 Japan-only game releases and events
From Inside Japan (accessing overseas):
- 🇺🇸 US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max
- 🇬🇧 BBC iPlayer
- Bypassing workplace/school network restrictions
Japan VPN Speed Test
| VPN | Tokyo Server Speed | Osaka Server Speed |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 890 Mbps | 870 Mbps |
| ExpressVPN | 830 Mbps | 810 Mbps |
| Surfshark | 780 Mbps | 750 Mbps |
| ProtonVPN | 650 Mbps | 620 Mbps |
| CyberGhost | 800 Mbps | 770 Mbps |
FAQ
Is VPN legal in Japan?
Yes, VPN use is completely legal in Japan. There are no restrictions on VPN usage for personal or business purposes.
Can I get a Japanese IP address for free?
ProtonVPN offers free Japan servers with unlimited data. It’s the only reliable free option for a Japanese IP.
Which VPN works best with Japanese Netflix?
NordVPN has the highest success rate with Japanese Netflix in our testing, followed by ExpressVPN.
Final Verdict
NordVPN is the best VPN for Japan with the most servers and fastest speeds. For free access, ProtonVPN is the only reliable option.