Updated on: October 3, 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. It also provides access to several server locations in Japan, and it has industry-leading streaming speeds. Plus, its apps are super intuitive and make it very easy to find and connect to a Japanese server. There’s also a 30-day refund for all plans.
Many VPNs don’t work with Netflix Japan at all. I can’t say this is surprising, considering how aggressive Netflix is when it comes to blocking VPNs — it uses IP databases and automated scripts to easily detect and block the IP addresses of most VPN providers.
However, I found VPNs that are 100% compatible with Netflix Japan. All of them are really fast, have intuitive apps, and can also access other popular Netflix libraries. I think ExpressVPN is the best option because it has multiple Japanese server locations and the fastest streaming speeds on the market. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Netflix Japan
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.
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Netflix Japan
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix Japan on the market. It works with the Japanese library 100% of the time, it provides super-fast streaming speeds, it’s very easy to use, and it has great features for streaming.
I was very 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, Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama — so it’s easy to find fast nearby servers.
I love how feature-rich ExpressVPN’s apps are. For one, you get access to split-tunneling, which lets you pick which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t — this provides convenience, as you can route Netflix Japan traffic through the VPN, while using your local internet connection to download files without experiencing any VPN-induced slowdowns.
Plus, you get access to other useful tools. There’s Advanced Protection, which provides privacy by stopping ad trackers from monitoring your Netflix Japan preferences. You also get ExpressVPN Keys, which is a good password manager you can use to secure your Netflix login. There’s also Shortcuts, which lets you set up 1-click shortcuts for apps and sites (like Netflix) that show up on your connection screen.
This provider has really user-friendly apps. The interface is extremely easy to navigate, which makes it simple to find and use different features. Plus, it will take just a few seconds to find and connect to the provider’s Japanese servers.
Finally, you can also use ExpressVPN with other streaming sites since this is the top streaming VPN on the market — it’s compatible with 100+ other streaming platforms, such as Disney+, Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
ExpressVPN has plans starting at $4.99 / 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, and it also maintains very fast streaming speeds. Plus, it provides access to very intuitive and feature-rich apps. On top of that, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great Netflix Japan VPN for Beginners
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a very user-friendly VPN for Japan. It accesses Netflix Japan via a dedicated streaming server, which is configured to refresh its IP address, preventing Netflix from detecting and blocking it. The app design is very intuitive, so it’s really simple to find and connect to the Japanese streaming server — there’s even a search field, which lets you instantly find the server.
I really like how all settings and features have helpful explanations, so you never feel lost while using PIA’s apps. Plus, it’s great that the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it to watch Netflix Japan on as many devices as you want.
The VPN also provides access to a smart DNS feature, which is very convenient. This feature allows you to use PIA with Netflix Japan on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like gaming consoles for example. You need to perform a manual setup to use the smart DNS, but it shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes.
PIA also comes with useful extras for Netflix Japan. It provides access to split-tunneling, and it also has Identity Guard — this tool lets you check if your email address has been compromised in a data breach. So, you can use Identity Guard to make sure the email you use for Netflix Japan is safe.
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 beginner-friendly VPN for Netflix Japan. It can access the Japanese library via a dedicated Japanese streaming server, its apps are very easy to navigate and use, and it also allows unlimited connections. Plus, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Has Dedicated Server for Netflix Japan & Great Automation Tools
CyberGhost VPN provides access to a dedicated server for Netflix Japan. This streaming server is optimized to regularly refresh its IP address, which makes it difficult for Netflix Japan to block it.
I like how simple it is to find the provider’s Netflix Japan server. On the desktop apps, there’s a tab on the left where you can use the For streaming category to quickly locate the streaming server. On the mobile apps, you just need to tap the Streaming tab at the top and scroll down to find the Netflix Japan server.
I’m also a big fan of the Smart Rules feature, which lets you automate VPN connections to Netflix Japan. For example, you can configure the VPN client to automatically connect to the Netflix Japan server and open the browser you use to access Netflix on launch. Or, you could set up CyberGhost VPN to automatically connect to the Netflix Japan server when you launch a specific app, like your browser.
The VPN also has Identity Guard, which you can use to get alerts if the email you use for your Netflix Japan account is breached. Plus, the feature also lets you quickly generate a strong password for your Netflix account. On top of that, you get access to a smart DNS that might work with Japanese sites like Netflix Japan.
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 comes with a dedicated streaming server that’s optimized to work very well with Netflix Japan. In addition, the provider’s apps are intuitive, making it super-easy to find the Netflix Japan server. You also get access to convenient automation features. Plus, all long-term plans come with a 45-day refund.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Good Netflix Japan VPN With Built-in Smart DNS Functionality (SmartPlay)
NordVPN has SmartPlay built into all of its servers, including the Japanese ones. This feature mixes smart DNS and VPN technology, so you get the best of both worlds — better streaming support via the smart DNS and enhanced online privacy and security via the VPN.
The provider also has a smart DNS, but it doesn’t work with Netflix Japan — that said, its SmartPlay feature still makes it harder for Netflix Japan to detect and block your VPN connection.
The VPN also provides access to 2 server locations in Japan (though, ExpressVPN has 4 server locations in Japan). It’s very easy to connect to the Japanese servers — you can just use a search field for instant access or a digital map.
NordVPN has plans starting at $2.99 / month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN has SmartPlay, which is a unique technology that combines smart DNS and VPN functionality — this makes it very difficult for Netflix Japan to detect and block your VPN. Plus, the provider’s apps are very easy to use, and there’s also a 30-day refund for all plans.
5. Surfshark — Good VPN for Accessing Netflix Japan on Android
Surfshark is excellent for accessing Netflix Japan on Android — thanks to its GPS-spoofing feature that’s only available on this device. This tool spoofs your device’s GPS data, so it matches the location of your VPN IP address. The GPS-spoofing tool makes it harder for mobile streaming apps (like Netflix) to detect and block your VPN connection.
I’m a fan of the IP Rotator feature, which regularly changes your VPN IP address without disconnecting you from the VPN server. This makes it more difficult for Netflix to block your VPN connection.
Surfshark’s Android app is extremely easy to navigate and use. The VPN also allows unlimited connections (just like Private Internet Access), making it a good pick for large families that need a VPN for Netflix Japan.
Surfshark’s affordable plans start at $1.99 / month. Every plan is backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is a great Netflix Japan VPN for Android users. This is mostly thanks to its Android-only GPS-spoofing feature, which makes it very hard for Netflix’s mobile streaming app to detect and block your VPN connection. Plus, the provider also has a VPN IP-rotating feature, intuitive apps, and a 30-day refund for all plans.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I used our proven testing methodology to pick and rank the VPNs on this list. I made sure all the VPNs work very well with Netflix Japan, provide fast streaming speeds, are easy to use, and more. Here’s a closer look at the exact criteria I used while ranking the providers:
- I only recommended VPNs that work with Netflix Japan. I made sure to only pick providers that have servers in Japan, and whose VPN services are able to consistently access Netflix Japan.
- I only added fast VPNs to my list. When you use a VPN, your original speeds will slow down a bit due to the added layer of encryption. But I made sure that all of the VPNs I recommend provide fast speeds for streaming HD and 4K content on Netflix.
- I only included user-friendly VPNs in this article. I only ranked VPN providers that have apps that are super-easy to install, navigate, and use. On average, it won’t take you more than a few seconds to find and connect to a Japanese server to start watching Netflix Japan with any of my top picks.
- I only ranked VPNs that provide good value. I made sure to only recommend VPNs that provide access to useful extras, like split-tunneling or a smart DNS. What’s more, I only added affordable VPNs to my list that also come with a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Troubleshoot a VPN for Netflix Japan
- Refresh your VPN server IP address. Maybe the VPN IP address you’re using right now was blocked by Netflix Japan. To refresh it, you would either have to reconnect to the server you’re using, or connect to a different Japanese server.
- Use streaming servers (if available). If the VPN has dedicated streaming servers, use them instead of regular Japanese servers. Streaming servers are usually configured to refresh their IPs much faster than regular servers.
- Use incognito mode. It’s best to use your browser’s incognito/private mode when accessing Netflix Japan via a VPN — this will prevent cookies from revealing your real location to Netflix.
- Use a different browser. You can further boost your odds of accessing Netflix Japan with a VPN by connecting to it via a separate browser, preferably one that you haven’t used before. And, like before, make sure to use its incognito/private mode.
- Contact customer support. The VPN’s customer support team might provide you with troubleshooting tips that are specific to the VPN you’re using (like telling you which specific Japanese server to use).
If none of the tips above worked for you, it might just be time to get a different VPN. Check all of the ones I mentioned above to see which one works best for you (all of them work with Netflix Japan 100% of the time).
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Astrill VPN. This provider only works with Netflix 50% of the time, so it’s not a reliable pick for accessing Netflix Japan. On top of that, its prices are very expensive.
- AirVPN. This VPN has Japanese servers, but its streaming support is terrible (it only works with Netflix sometimes). Plus, its apps are very confusing to use.
- PrivateVPN. PrivateVPN works well with Netflix, but it’s missing some important extras that you get with other top competitors (like split-tunneling or a smart DNS).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for Netflix Japan?
ExpressVPN is the best choice for Netflix Japan. It reliably works with the Japanese library 100% of the time. Plus, the VPN has super-fast streaming speeds, provides access to very intuitive apps, and comes with useful extras (like a password manager and split-tunneling). It also has a 30-day refund.
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 4 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.
Can you use a VPN’s dedicated IPs to access Netflix Japan?
I don’t recommend doing this. True, it theoretically might be harder for Netflix to block a dedicated IP since it’s only assigned to you. However, it can still detect and block it eventually — and when it does that, you’ll need to pay for a new dedicated IP to access Netflix Japan.
It’s better to just get a premium VPN that refreshes its server IP addresses very fast, like ExpressVPN. This way, if Netflix Japan blocks the VPN IP you’re using, you can just reconnect to the Japanese server to get a new IP.
Does Netflix Japan have English subtitles?
Some TV shows, movies, and anime might have English subtitles, but many of them don’t. If you don’t speak Japanese, it’s best to get a VPN with a generous refund policy (like ExpressVPN), so that you can test it with the content you want to watch to make sure it has English subtitles.
