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Best VPNS to Watch Netflix Japan From Anywhere in 2023

Husain Parvez Updated on 21st July 2023 Cybersecurity Researcher

Finding a VPN that can unblock Netflix Japan is difficult. Some VPNs just don’t deliver the fast speeds you need to watch in HD, while others don't have reliable servers in Japan to bypass its geoblocks.

I tested 30+ VPNs and shortlisted the ones that reliably unblock Netflix Japan. The VPNs I've selected offer amazing speeds and many servers in Japan to help you watch your favorite content from anywhere in the world.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers lightning-fast speeds for watching shows such as Evergarden and Kantaro, even in 4K. You can try ExpressVPN without any risk as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not satisfied, you can claim a full refund.

Try ExpressVPN Today

Short on Time? Here Are The Best VPNs for Netflix Japan in 2023

  1. ExpressVPN — Offers blazing-fast speeds with stable servers that allow you to watch Netflix Japan without interruptions. You can also try it risk-free and, if you don’t like it, you can get a full refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
  2. CyberGhost — Comes with a specialized Netflix Japan server that helps unblock and stream shows reliably, but its monthly plans are a little expensive.
  3. Private Internet Access — Massive server network that lets you unblock Netflix Japan from anywhere. However, its speeds can be inconsistent at times
  4. NordVPN — Dedicated IP address for Japan and obfuscation to get past Netflix VPN blocks, but some servers slowed me down.
  5. Surfshark — Beginner-friendly VPN with servers in Tokyo makes accessing Netflix Japan straightforward, but expensive 1-month plans.

Get Started With ExpressVPN Now

Best VPNs for Netflix Japan — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Blazing Fast Speeds to Watch Netflix Japan in the Best Quality

  • Lightning-fast speeds
  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
  • 8 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
ExpressVPN Offer July 2023: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

The biggest upside to ExpressVPN is its blazing-fast speeds and Lightway protocol, which allows you to watch your favorite shows on Netflix Japan without interruptions. I tested its Tokyo, Tokyo-2, and Yokohama servers, and I was constantly averaging around the 70 Mbps mark. This is amazing considering the servers are thousands of kilometers away from my location.

screenshot of Netflix Japan streaming Asakusa Kid with ExpressVPNAll of the servers I tested let me stream in HD quality

It also has a massive server network around the world. The Tokyo server took me just 5 seconds to connect, and I was able to access Netflix Japan with ease. You have 3+ different servers in Japan to choose from, and all of them offer fast speeds and allow you to reliably unblock Netflix and watch its exclusive shows, such as Young Justice.

You can use ExpressVPN across 8 devices. This is great if you want to stream Netflix Japan not just on your smartphone or laptop but across most of your devices. I tried this by using it on my TV, phone, laptop, and tablet. I didn’t experience any lags or stutters, and all the shows ran without any buffering.

ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer DNS feature that helps you unblock Netflix Japan on all your devices, even ones that don’t support a VPN. It does this by rerouting your network traffic from your router to its DNS servers. While the MediaStreamer isn’t a VPN, it helped me configure ExpressVPN on my router, and in just 10 minutes I was watching Netflix Japan on my smart TV.

A slight issue is that it has a premium price tag standing at $6.67/month. However, I got a 49% discount when I signed up, along with 3 months of free service, making it a good deal overall.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it. I tested this claim by contacting the customer support team through the 24/7 live chat support available on its website. The agent I talked to wanted to know about my experience with the VPN and didn’t pressure me to stay. He approved my request after 5 minutes, and I had my money refunded within 3 days.

Unblock Netflix Japan With ExpressVPN

2. CyberGhost — Specialized Servers to Access Netflix Japan From Anywhere

  • Superfast speeds
  • 9,487+ servers in 91 countries
  • 7 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
July 2023 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

CyberGhost offers a specialized server for unblocking Netflix Japan. It helped me watch my favorite anime shows without any buffering. You can access the specialized server from the “For Streaming” tab and select the Netflix Japan server. The whole process takes less than a minute, so you’ll have access to your favorite titles in no time.

screenshot of Netflix Japan streaming Aggretsuke with CyberGhostIts fast speeds and quick connections were perfect for Netflix Japan

While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, It still offers impressive speeds. I tested the Japan servers, and I got a consistent 60 Mbps average. This is twice the amount you need for 4K streaming, so you’ll be able to watch in the best quality. The resolution was automatically bumped up to Full HD when I was watching, which is perfect for a great streaming experience.

It’s compatible with most major operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. I tested it on my iPad, smartphone, and desktop, and everything worked without any bugs or compatibility issues. You can also use it on your TV by creating a hotspot from your smartphone and then connecting to the TV, and this will allow you to watch shows from Netflix Japan directly on the big screen.

A slight issue with CyberGhost is the expensive monthly subscription it comes with. However, you can save some money by getting a long-term subscription with the same great features for only $2.19/month.

You can try CyberGhost free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I tested its claim by contacting the customer support team to ask for a refund. After a brief chat, my request was approved — the customer support executive didn’t pressure me to stay or ask me a lot of questions, and the conversation only took 10 minutes. I had my money refunded within 5 days.

Unblock Netflix Japan With CyberGhost

3. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network to Unblock Netflix Japan From Anywhere

  • Impressive speeds
  • 29,650 servers in 84 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
July 2023 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

Private Internet Access has a large server network spread across 84 countries. However, it only has 2+ servers in Japan, with one optimized for streaming. I tested the streaming optimized Japan server, and I easily accessed Netflix Japan, Hulu, and Disney+. Plus, I didn’t experience any interruptions or buffering even while streaming in 4k.

The servers offer fast speeds for streaming Netflix Japan. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but I had an average of 60 Mbps across the board. While that is a 40% drop on my original 100 Mbps connection, I could still watch 4K and HD content without interruptions. So, if you have a similar connection, you should have no problems watching your favorite shows on Netflix Japan.

screenshot of Netflix Japan streaming Followers with Private Internet AccessEach server I tried connected within a few seconds and I didn’t have to deal with lag

A slight problem with PIA is that it is based in the US, where data sharing laws are strict. If the government requests any data or information about its users, then PIA would need to comply with the request. However, it has an airtight privacy policy meaning that it won’t store any essential data about you.

Get PIA just for $2.03/month with its long-term plan. All the subscription plans offer the same features, but the long-term plans offer the best value and 3 months of free service.

It is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get your money back if you don’t like using it. I put the claim to the test by requesting a refund through its website. The customer agent I talked to asked me about my experience with it, and processed my request after a brief 5 minute chat. I had my money refunded within 5 days.

Unblock Netflix Japan With PIA

4. NordVPN — Dedicated Japan IP Address To Avoid Getting Blocked by Netflix

  • Exclusive IP address to reliably access Netflix Japan wherever you are
  • 5,640 servers in 60 countries, including Tokyo and Osaka
  • 6 simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more

With NordVPN's dedicated IP address for Japan, you don't have to worry about Netflix blocking you. Typically, IP addresses allocated by a VPN server are shared with other users. Being the only one using a particular IP means Netflix won't flag and block you. I used a dedicated IP for Japan during my tests and unblocked Netflix successfully each time.

Suppose, for some reason, a dedicated IP isn't displaying on your app (I was using Windows). In that case, you can also use the VPN's obfuscation technology to disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic. This allows you to bypass Netflix's tough VPN-blocking technology.

A screenshot showing NordVPN's dedicated IP servers for Japan.You'll find obfuscation servers under NordVPN's list of "Speciality servers"

You can watch Netflix Japan on the big screen by setting up the VPN on your router. This allows you to stream content on all your WiFi-connected devices, even those not compatible with VPNs, like your smart TV or gaming consoles. I followed the step-by-step instructions on NordVPN’s website and could watch Atelier on my PS5 in about 10 minutes.

Speeds on servers in Japan were great, too. However, there were some delays when testing servers in Australia — I have a Stan Sports account for watching rugby matches. However, when I disconnected and tried a different server in the same country, I could watch live sports without delays.

You can get a long-term NordVPN subscription for $3.49/month. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription via the online portal to test its refund policy. After that, I used live chat to request a refund. My request was instantly processed, and my money was refunded to my credit card within a week.

Unblock Netflix Japan with NordVPN

5. Surfshark — User-Friendly Interface to Easily Access Netflix Japan

  • Easy-to-use apps to access Netflix Japan, even if you're new to VPNs
  • 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Japan
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more

I'm impressed by how easy it is to use Surfshark apps. You can connect to a server in just two clicks using the search bar to find one in your preferred country. You can also “favorite” your most-used servers for even faster access. I added a few Tokyo servers to my list to streamline the Netflix testing process. These servers connected in about 7 seconds and unblocked Netflix Japan every time. It also works for Japan Amazon Prime Video.

An image showing Surfshark's uncluttered dashboardI had fast connections and zero interruptions, even with all my devices connected at once

It allows you to connect an Unlimited number of devices on a single subscription. This is great if you're traveling with your family and everyone wants to use the VPN for streaming, online gaming, or browsing on their own devices. I connected 7 devices simultaneously (including several smartphones, my iPad, and Macbook. Even with so many simultaneous connections, I didn't experience any connection drops, and speeds were consistently fast.

Its monthly plan is pricey. However, long-term plans are available at only $2.30/month. Since it has all the same features as costlier subscriptions, I chose the 2-year option.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out and get a refund if it’s not for you. My experience with it was smooth sailing. All I needed to do was contact the customer support team and ask for a refund. My request was processed in under 10 mins. However, I had to wait a week to get my money refunded.

Unblock Netflix Japan with Surfshark

Quick Guide: How to Unblock Netflix Japan in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN as it has superfast servers in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama and allows you to stream on consoles and TVs.
  2. Connect to a server in Japan. You need a Japanese IP address to unblock Netflix Japan.
  3. Start watching your favorite shows. Go to Netflix, log in to your account and enjoy a smooth streaming experience.

Quick Comparison Table: Netflix Japan VPN Features

When I shortlisted the best VPNs for Netflix Japan, I looked at their price, number of servers, simultaneous device connections, and the length of the money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.

VPN Lowest Monthly Price Number of Servers Simultaneous Device Connections Money-Back Guarantee
🥇 ExpressVPN $6.67/month 3,000 8 30 days
🥈 CyberGhost $2.19/month 9,487 7 45 days
🥉 Private Internet Access $2.03/month 29,650 Unlimited 30 days
NordVPN $3.49/month 5,640 6 30 days
Surfshark $2.30/month 3,200 Unlimited 30 days

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Netflix Japan

Here are a few key points that you should consider before getting a VPN to unblock Netflix Japan:

  • Large server network — In order to unblock Netflix Japan, the VPN you choose should have multiple servers in Japan. The ones I chose offer reliable connections in Japan, so you won't have any problems unblocking Netflix Japan.
  • Superfast speeds — To stream in HD or 4K, the VPN you choose needs to deliver the best speeds. The VPNs shortlisted above have reliable fast speeds, so they’re a great fit for streaming Netflix Japan in the best quality.
  • Extensive device compatibility — Netflix has apps for the most popular devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles. Therefore, you should choose a VPN you can use on all the platforms Netflix is compatible with.
  • Large number of simultaneous connections — If you choose a VPN that offers many simultaneous connections, you can seamlessly change between devices and continue where you left off, without missing any of the action.

Get Started With ExpressVPN

FAQs on VPNs for Netflix Japan

Is it legal to watch Netflix in Japan with a VPN?

Using a VPN to access international libraries is not illegal, but it goes against Netflix’s terms of service. This means that Netflix can shut down your account if it discovers you’re using a VPN. I recommend you use a reliable service that easily bypasses Netflix’s geoblocks without putting you at risk.

What's the difference between Netflix in Japan and the US?

Netflix Japan has a lot of shows and anime such as Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop that are not available in the US. So, if you want to watch more shows, using a VPN to unblock Netflix Japan is the way to go. I recommend ExpressVPN as it delivers fast speeds and reliable servers that will help you stream shows on Netflix Japan without issue.

How do I get Japanese subtitles on Netflix?

You can enable Japanese subtitles on Netflix using the “Audio and Subtitles” button while watching a show. However, Japanese subtitles are limited to Netflix Japan. If you are currently traveling and want to watch Netflix, I recommend using a premium VPN to unblock Netflix Japan. To change the subtitle settings:

  1. Select a show that comes with Japanese subtitles
  2. Click on the Audio and Subtitles box in the bottom right
  3. Select Japanese [[CC]] as your preferred subtitles

Get ExpressVPN Today

Get the Best VPN for Netflix Japan Today

Finding the best VPN to unblock Netflix Japan is not challenging at all. The VPNs I have shortlisted above provide fast speeds and great compatibility, so you’ll be able to stream your favorite shows without interruptions on any device you want.

I highly recommend using ExpressVPN as it offers lightning speeds, multiple servers in Japan, and great compatibility. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, and it’s also backed by a robust 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like using it.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Netflix Japan

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.8 /10
Save 49%!
2
9.8 /10
Save 83%!
3
9.6 /10
Save 83%!
4
9.4 /10
Save 69%!
5
9.2 /10
Save 82%!
Privacy Alert!

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

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About the Author

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.

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