How to Get a Japanese IP Address From Anywhere in 2023

Due to geoblocks, you can’t view most Japanese TV channels and streaming platforms from abroad. Equally, you may be unable to use some local services, like shopping and banking. Thankfully, you can get a Japanese IP address to catch up with the latest shows and access country-specific services.

A VPN with servers in Japan makes getting a local IP address hassle-free. My team and I tested over 70 VPNs to find the fastest and most reliable options for accessing Japanese content. These services also have industry-leading security tools to keep you safe from hackers.

I found ExpressVPN to be the easiest way to obtain a Japanese IP address. Its lightning-fast servers in Japan (and worldwide) can help you stream local content without interruption. Plus, it safeguards your privacy with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit) and a strict no-logs policy. You can try ExpressVPN’s Japanese servers risk-free, as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Why You Need a VPN to Get a Japanese IP Address

You can’t access some Japanese websites or get accurate search results outside Japan. Plus, local channels like TV Tokyo, Nippon TV and NHK can block you due to copyright and licensing restrictions.

A VPN with servers in Japan hides your actual location and provides a Japanese IP address. Upon connection, the server reroutes your traffic via a secure server and replaces your IP address with a local one. This makes websites think you’re in Japan, as they only see the Japanese IP address.

This means you can quickly access Japanese content, like Wife of a Spy on your Netflix Japan account. Plus, premium VPNs have fast servers in Japan that won’t slow your connection. They also provide tough security measures, so you won’t risk your privacy while banking online (e.g., Chiba Bank or Japan Post Bank).

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The Best VPNs to Get a Japanese IP Address From Anywhere in 2023

Every VPN on my list offers you an IP address for Japan (and many other countries). I ensured these services have blazing-fast servers and military-grade encryption, so you won't compromise your speed or security. Additionally, these VPNs have beginner-friendly apps and responsive customer support.

All of them are affordable and offer simultaneous device connections with one subscription. You can also try these VPNs without risking your money, as they provide trustworthy money-back guarantees.

1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Servers to Stream Japanese TV Online Buffer-Free

Watch Japanese content in the highest quality without slowdowns on ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast servers. I watched Bullet Train Bistro on Netflix JP in UHD, averaging 85 Mbps when I tested ExpressVPN’s servers in Japan. On more distant servers, like the US, for example, I clocked over 50 Mbps. Plus, this VPN doesn’t cap your bandwidth and supports P2P traffic for torrenting. So, you can watch 4K videos, torrent, and play fast-paced multiplayer games without limits.

Bypassing geoblocks in Japan is effortless, with servers in Tokyo and Yokohama to get a Japanese IP address. This helped me access Nippon TV, TV Tokyo, and TV Asahi from outside the country. The VPN also has servers in 94 countries to unblock popular international services. You won’t have a problem accessing your Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu accounts (among many others). The default settings also have obfuscation technology, disguising your encrypted traffic as regular activity to bypass even the strictest firewalls and VPN blocks.

Robust security features protect your data against hackers and monitoring. ExpressVPN offers industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and tunneling protocols (including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway) to keep you safe online. OpenVPN balances security and speed, but my connection was fastest with Lightway.

My tests didn’t show any DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC exposure because of the leak protection. This means your real location is protected at all times. Plus, all apps have Network Lock (ExpressVPN’s kill switch feature) enabled by default. It automatically cuts your internet connection if you’re accidentally disconnected from the VPN, so you never risk exposing your data.

The VPN has a strict no-logs policy that prevents it from collecting or sharing your web data. It’s also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands — outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance intelligence-sharing pact. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology) automatically erase your web history on server reboots. In other words, the VPN doesn't have any information to share.

ExpressVPN’s apps are user-friendly and support Japanese. So, you can start using the VPN in a few minutes (even if you’re a beginner). It also offers 24/7 support via online chat to answer all your questions.

I did find subscriptions a bit expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN has many special offers to help you save. I signed up for a 12-month plan and got a 49% discount and 3 months of service for free.

You can get a refund if you’re not 100% happy with it, thanks to ExpressVPN’s trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. I found the refund process really straightforward (it took me less than 5 minutes with a live chat operator). My bank account was reimbursed with the full sum just 3 days later.

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2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Japanese Servers to Watch Your Favorite Local Shows

Access Japanese movies and shows in seconds with CyberGhost's specialized servers. I had no problem using the dedicated Netflix Japan and Amazon Prime Video servers to access my subscriptions. Other Japanese servers unblock local channels like NHK Educational and TV Tokyo from anywhere. Plus, its network across 91 countries helped me access my Disney+ and DAZN accounts.

My speeds reached over 80 Mbps while testing CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers. So, you can instantly load UHD content without noticeable latency issues. Plus, you can use its servers optimized for torrenting and gaming to further improve speeds. Better yet, the VPN doesn't limit your bandwidth or traffic — you can download as much as you want.

You can safeguard your data with robust encryption (AES-256-bit) and tunneling protocols (like WireGuard and OpenVPN). I used CyberGhost’s ad blocker and kept the sites I browsed free from ads and pop-ups (like Yahoo! Japan). Plus, you can activate the HTTPS protection that automatically redirects you to secure versions of web pages.

I also recommend the automatic WiFi feature, especially if you frequently use public networks. It launches the VPN automatically when you connect to a new hotspot, so you don't have to worry about hackers.

CyberGhost keeps your web data and real IP address safe with a trustworthy no-logs policy. The provider is also outside data retention laws, thanks to its location in privacy-friendly Romania. Additionally, there’s a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection for extra safety — my tests never showed any leaks.

The apps are easy to install and intuitive. I found many in-depth guides and tutorials on the official website, if you’re wanting to change more advanced settings. Besides, there's 24/7 online chat to help you out with anything.

This VPN has a rather costly monthly plan with a short 14-day refund period. That said, its long-term options are more affordable while including the same features. You can get CyberGhost’s long-term subscription at only $2.19/month, which also offers an extended money-back guarantee.

You can try CyberGhost Japanese IPs for free using its 45-day refund policy. The refund process is completely hassle-free, and you don’t even have to talk to customer service. I canceled via email and got my money back in my PayPal wallet within 4 days.

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3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Settings to Balance Speed and Security While Browsing Japanese Sites

Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you customize its encryption based on your needs. You can choose AES 128-bit for faster speeds or AES 256-bit for maximum security — ideal for accessing Norinchukin Bank. You can also switch between several security protocols, including (but not limited to) WireGuard and OpenVPN. Plus, Split Tunneling lets you pick apps that go through an encrypted connection, while others use regular fast internet.

A zero-logs policy and a kill switch shield your private data from prying eyes. Like CyberGhost, PIA has a built-in ad blocker (MACE) that detects and stops ads and malware. During my tests, PIA didn’t show any signs of IP or DNS leaks on all the Japanese servers I tried.

Servers in Japan let you obtain a Japanese IP address. So, watching Dr. White on Fuji TV wasn't a problem for me. You can just as easily log in to your Disney+ or BBC iPlayer accounts using the global servers.

The apps have pre-configured settings, so you can connect to a Japanese server right away. Plus, you can reach round-the-clock support via email and live chat.

My connection was barely affected when using the Japanese servers. The average speed I got was over 50 Mbps, meaning you can stream in UHD without buffering. PIA is also suitable for file sharing, thanks to P2P support and unlimited bandwidth. I even got a little torrenting speed boost after configuring the SOCKS 5 proxy. Unfortunately, you can’t use its US servers for torrenting, but there are many others in Europe, so this isn't really a problem.

Subscriptions are available at only $2.03/month. All plans have the same features, but the 3-year option is the most affordable.

PIA lets you try its Japanese servers for free during the first 30 days. As I found out, you can easily cancel and get your money back if it doesn’t suit you. I spoke to customer services for a few minutes via live chat to approve my refund. My payment was reimbursed to my credit card in 5 days.

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4. IPVanish — Robust Security Features to Safely Access Japanese Content

Protect all your devices with IPVanish’s top-grade security features, like AES 256-bit, IP/DNS leak protection, and tunneling protocols (including OpenVPN). Your safety is further boosted with a reliable no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch. It also owns its network, so there’s no way third-parties could intercept any data. I didn’t find any data leaks while testing IPVanish’s Japanese servers. You can use the Scramble mode (obfuscation) to bypass firewalls and deep packet inspections, too.

Japanese servers can help you access region-specific content. For example, I could watch Mute It! on Nippon TV and access my Netflix JP account. Thanks to servers in 75 countries, you can access your international services, too.

IPVanish covers all your devices with Unlimited simultaneous connections. You don’t need to worry about stability or bandwidth limits. I tested IPVanish by watching Netflix Japan on a dozen devices, including an Android smartphone, Apple iPad, and Windows laptop. None of them disconnected or had significant slowdowns. In fact, my speeds on servers in Japan remained above 45 Mbps — more than enough for UHD streaming.

You can’t pay for IPVanish with cryptocurrency yet, but you can subscribe with PayPal and major credit cards. Long-term subscriptions are more affordable, yet all plans have the same features (including 24/7 email and chat support). So, I recommend IPVanish’s long-term plan that starts at $2.49/month.

The 30-day money-back policy works just as promised. I canceled via my dashboard on the official website by going to the “Subscription” tab. It was very straightforward — IPVanish sent my first payment back to my PayPal account within the week.

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5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Friendly Network for Reliable File Sharing on Japanese Servers

Easily torrent without restrictions across PrivateVPN’s P2P-supported server network (including Japanese servers). The VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth and offers features like SOCKS5 and port forwarding to boost your connection. I tested PrivateVPN’s servers in Japan and downloaded 5GB on uTorrent in under 30 minutes — averaging around 35 Mbps. Plus, these speeds are fast enough for online games and buffer-free streaming.

PrivateVPN utilizes advanced encryption, tunneling methods, and a stringent policy of not recording any user activity to protect your information. It includes a feature known as Stealth VPN, which obscures your VPN traffic, while the kill switch acts as a fail-safe should your VPN connection unexpectedly drop. In addition, similar to PIA, PrivateVPN provides the flexibility to select your preferred level of encryption, offering choices between AES 256-bit and 128-bit.

PrivateVPN’s network is fairly small, but its Japanese servers can easily provide you with a local IP address. Besides, its network spans 63 countries, so you can access your other accounts like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Long-term subscriptions have better prices while offering identical features (including free remote installation for desktop apps). That’s why I recommend going with PrivateVPN’s long-term plan at $2/month.

You can try PrivateVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day refund policy. Getting my money back was easy using the online chat. It took me only a few minutes to cancel and request a refund. The money was back in my bank account within a week.

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a Japanese IP Address

I have compiled a list of the top VPNs that are ideal for obtaining a Japanese IP address. These VPNs excel in bypassing stringent geoblocks while ensuring high-speed performance and upholding your privacy. If you wish to personally evaluate a few VPN options, the following criteria can serve as a helpful checklist:

• Servers in Japan (and worldwide) — Only local servers can provide you with a Japanese IP address; essential to access Japanese content. Global servers help you access your international services.
• Robust security — You need a VPN with top-grade encryption, security protocols, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch to protect your online privacy.
• Fast speeds — all VPNs slow your internet speed to encrypt your traffic, but the services I picked are so fast you won't notice much difference.
• Ease to use — An intuitive design makes VPNs easy to master (even for beginners), while responsive support helps you solve any problems quickly.
• Multiple device compatibility — Look for a VPN that supports your devices and allows multiple simultaneous connections from one account.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Make sure your VPN offers a refund policy, so you can get your money back if the VPN doesn’t suit you.

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FAQs on Getting a Japanese IP Address With a VPN

Can a free VPN give me a Japanese IP address?

It’s unlikely a free VPN can offer you a Japanese IP address. Most free VPNs limit speeds, server locations, and bandwidth. A more reliable alternative is a VPN with Japanese servers and a money-back guarantee.

Most free services lack advanced security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, obfuscation, and a strict no-logs policy. Some of these services may even resort to selling your web data to advertising networks for financial gain or include malware within their installation files. Consequently, it is advisable to steer clear of the majority of free VPNs.

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a Japanese IP address?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Japan and in most countries. So, you can connect to a Japanese server within minutes to access local content. That said, some countries (like Russia and China) restrict VPNs in their territory. So, you should always check the regulations in your location before using a VPN.

What other ways are there to get a Japanese IP address (aside from a VPN)?

You can get a Japanese IP address with the Tor Browser or a proxy server, but they’re not recommended. A premium VPN is a faster, more reliable, and more secure alternative. A Smart DNS can bypass geo-restrictions but won’t change your IP address or secure your traffic.

Proxy servers don’t encrypt your traffic, leaving your data vulnerable to hackers and monitoring. The Tor Browser can reduce your speeds, and getting a specific country IP is complicated. That’s why a reliable VPN with Japanese servers is the optimal way to protect your privacy and access local content without interruptions.

How will I know my IP address has been changed to Japan?

Use an IP address lookup tool. Start by launching your VPN and connecting to a server in Japan to get a local IP address. Then open a website with an IP address tracker, like vpnMentor’s IP checker. If your location shows Japan, your connection is secure, and you can safely access Japanese online services anywhere.

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Get a Japanese IP Address Today

Getting an IP address for Japan is effortless with a VPN. Reliable VPNs make Japanese streaming platforms (like Netflix JP) and other local content reachable despite geo-restrictions. Plus, services on this list have sophisticated security features that don’t compromise speeds. They keep you safe from snoops to safely access your accounts, for example, Chiba Bank.

ExpressVPN is my top pick to get a Japanese IP address. It has lightning-fast servers in Japan (and worldwide), military-grade encryption, and beginner-friendly apps. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN’s Japanese servers without risk — it’s supported by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs to get a Japanese IP address are...