Best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix from abroad

Trying to find out which VPN is best to watch Japanese Netflix from abroad? A premium provider will be able to access the service easily, no matter your current location.

Japanese Netflix has lots of unique content which is only available if the user has an IP address that matches the country. This includes anime, films that are exclusive to the Japanese version of the popular platform, and Japanese dubs and subtitles. If you try to access Netflix Japan while outside of the country, you’ll be met with a completely different content library based on your current location. For example, if you’re in England you’ll get Netflix UK, and the same goes for other countries around the world. 

This is bad news for anyone who’d like to access Japanese content, but VPNs are a simple method to bypass geographic limitations. A VPN works by encrypting all of the traffic sent to and from your device. It’ll be routed via a server in a location of your choice, assigning the user a temporary IP address in the process. 

You’ll be able to access various geo-restricted services in Japan and elsewhere, and the VPN will boost your online privacy. 

The best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix from abroad:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Japanese Netflix. 130+ servers in Tokyo and Osaka, seamless access to 23+ Netflix catalogs, Meshnet, NordLynx, audited no-logs policy, and fast connection speeds for streaming. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching Japanese Netflix. Strong security, no device limits, streaming support, and servers in 100+ countries.  
3. ExpressVPN: Unmatched when it comes to accessing geo-restricted streaming services from abroad. Servers in 105+ countries, custom Lightway protocol, multiple Japanese locations, and an audited no-logs policy. 
4. CyberGhost: Abundance of servers in Japan and elsewhere. Beginner-friendly apps for all devices and works to access Netflix in a wide range of locations while connected. 
5. Proton VPN: Secure provider with free Japanese servers, lots of advanced features, and some of the fastest speeds on the market.  
6. IPVanish: Provider capable of 4K streaming, will access Netflix Japan from abroad, allows for unlimited device connections, and offers secure encryption.
7. Atlas VPN: Impressive speeds from servers in Japan, Netflix access, no device limits, and free servers with a monthly bandwidth cap. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Japanese Netflix, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. Some VPNs will only work with a few Japanese streaming services, and others won’t be able to access any platforms whatsoever.

We narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Japanese Netflix:

• Servers in Japan are necessary for watching TV from the region while abroad, Netflix included 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and are especially important for streaming content in Japan and elsewhere 
• Streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass Netflix restrictions, the provider should work with other Japanese sites and services from abroad 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third-party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Japanese Netflix, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article. 

Best VPNs for Japanese Netflix

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN has 130+ high-speed servers in Japan, ensuring access to local services like Netflix no matter where you are in the world. With a network of 6,000+ servers in 61+ countries, it’s perfect for streaming content from a long list of locations. These cover 23+ Netflix catalogs, as well as additional Japanese services like Fuji TV and TBS TV.

Many features aim to improve online privacy. For example, NordVPN comes with a strict no-logs policy, while the proprietary NordLynx protocol helps to boost speeds to roughly 200 Mbps. This vastly exceeds Netflix’s recommended download speeds for 4K streaming (15+ Mbps), so you shouldn’t see much slowdown compared to normal. 

There’s no need for a subscription if you’d like to use Meshnet free of charge. It allows users to create private, encrypted tunnels between trusted devices, and it’s just one of many unique features on offer. 

You’ll find lots of notable extras such as Double VPN, and Nord can be used with the Tor network. For an additional fee, you’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP from Tokyo, which won’t be shared with other users.

You’ll find a selection of NordVPN apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. With six simultaneous device connections per account, that should be more than enough for the average user. Even so, there are alternatives that allow for unlimited connections listed below.  

THE BEST VPN FOR JAPANESE NETFLIX: NordVPN has 130+ Japanese servers to pick from, strong streaming support for services like Netflix, in-built Smart DNS, and excellent speeds. Notable features include Meshnet, NordLynx, and more. Comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark is our top budget pick for Japanese Netflix. Once again, it works well with a long list of .jp services, including Netflix Japan and J Sports. You can stream Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Sky Go, BT Sport, Hotstar, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and more. 

With servers found in 100+ countries, it’s great for getting an IP address from various Asian cities, whether it’s in Japan, Mongolia, Singapore, or elsewhere. 

Surfshark offers the ability to connect with unlimited devices at the same time, so you’ll be able to share an account with friends and family. On that subject, Surfshark has apps and support for ​​macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, routers, and browsers. 

It comes with split tunneling, MultiHop, obfuscation, and the ability to block malware, trackers, and ads. A couple of features (such as a private search engine) are hidden behind an additional paywall in the form of Surfshark One, but it won’t impact any users who want to stream Japanese Netflix from abroad.  

You’ll be protected by strong encryption and an audited no-logs policy. Average connection speeds work out to roughly 190 Mbps.

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR JAPANESE NETFLIX: Surfshark is a low-cost provider that excels when accessing platforms like Netflix Japan from abroad. Servers in 100+ countries, including lots of coverage in Asia, unlimited device connections, and strong security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a speedy provider with a knack for accessing streaming sites like Netflix, whether you’re connecting via a server in Japan or elsewhere. You’ll find locations in 105+ countries, and user-friendly apps exist for almost every device you can think of. 

It has a well-earned reputation in terms of streaming support, and it can come up with the goods for platforms like Netflix US, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. 

ExpressVPN works well for torrenting, and you’ll be able to use the very fast Lightway protocol if you’d prefer. There’s also the option of using Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), which is great for smart TVs and games consoles that don’t work with VPN apps.

The provider has top-notch customer support, including the ability for you to get in contact 24/7 via live chat. It’s pricier than our top two recommendations, but not prohibitive. 

It’s a great option for beginners, including a built-in kill switch. Connection speeds average 175 Mbps and its strict no-logs policy has been audited by PwC.

POWERFUL JAPANESE NETFLIX VPN: ExpressVPN is a capable provider with a lot of experience when accessing blocked streaming services. Lightway protocol, reliable server speeds, and an audited no-logs policy for peace of mind. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN that makes it easy to stream via almost any platform you can think of and has labeled servers for accessing a wide range of services in various countries around the globe. Of course, Japan is one such example, as servers work with Netflix, NHK On Demand, Tokyo MX, and more. 

In total, more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries make it one of the largest networks on the market. These include 100+ servers physically located in Tokyo. 

Fast speeds ensure a seamless streaming experience, averaging roughly 300 Mbps. As such, you’ll be able to watch UHD content without the prospect of buffering. The basics are covered in terms of 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection, although CyberGhost does lack obfuscation. 

There are apps for every major device, along with support for browsers. CyberGhost allows the user to connect up to seven devices at the same time. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY JAPANESE NETFLIX VPN: CyberGhost is easy to get used to, and has labeled streaming servers that are ideal for Netflix Japan. Some of the fastest speeds on the market, thousands of servers to pick from, and apps for all devices. Offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN is mainly focused on improving online privacy, but it’s still a great solution for anyone who wants to stream via Netflix Japan while abroad. The provider has a strong selection of 3,000+ servers in 71+ countries, in a network that continues to grow with each passing month.

The service takes security seriously, offering a selection of advanced features such as port forwarding and obfuscation. Secure Core servers route your traffic through Sweden or Switzerland before reaching Japan, helping to boost user privacy. 

Japan is one of three countries in which you’ll find free Proton VPN servers. However, you won’t be able to use these free locations for streaming. Free servers are also slower than premium alternatives, with the latter averaging 320 Mbps during our tests.

That makes it the fastest provider on our list, possibly due to its proprietary VPN Accelerator technology. As with ExpressVPN, it’s a pricey solution, but it’s easy to see why given the features on offer. 

SECURE JAPANESE NETFLIX VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced provider with lots of notable features such as port forwarding and Secure Core servers. Premium accounts will be able to access Netflix Japan and more, with fast connection speeds, strong security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IPVanish is a powerful provider with average speeds in excess of 250 Mbps. It’s perfect for accessing a long list of streaming services, and the user can connect with as many devices as they like at the same time.  

As you may have guessed, it works with various international versions of Netflix, as well as US platforms like HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney Plus, CBS, and NBC. IPVanish is actually based in the United States, so we’d advise looking elsewhere if the prospect of the NSA makes you itchy. 

On the other hand, if you just want to stream Netflix Japan, it’s unlikely to steer you in the wrong direction. IPVanish might be missing out on a few features seen elsewhere, such as MultiHop, but it has superb customer support and keeps no logs. 

You’ll find a selection of IPVanish apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV.

SPEEDY JAPANESE NETFLIX VPN: IPVanish is another competent service, offering access to Netflix JP and other restricted streaming platforms. Unlimited device connections, speedy server connections, and comes with a simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

Atlas VPN works with various streaming services, including Netflix Japan, Amazon Prime Video, and TV Asahi. Atlas has fast connection speeds (260 Mbps), which is surprising given it has a smaller server network compared to all of the alternatives above.

A limited free version is a unique selling point, given it allows the user full streaming access. An obvious caveat is that Atlas VPN’s free version comes with a data cap, limiting the user to 5 GB of data per month. Of course, you’ll have unlimited data with the premium version. 

The ability to connect an unlimited number of devices is another notable benefit, and it’s relatively affordable compared to the average provider. User-friendly apps are available for all major platforms, and it's a worthwhile choice for HD streaming. It can be used for a Japanese IP address, while it comes with a strict no-log policy.

Atlas VPN has lots of interesting features. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and comes with everything from rotating IPs to MultiHop support.

AFFORDABLE JAPANESE NETFLIX VPN: Atlas VPN is a cheaper option with speedy WireGuard connections and access to Netflix Japan. Unlimited simultaneous connections, MultiHop, and free server locations. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Japanese Netflix  

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Japanese Netflix.

• Servers: Servers in Japan are necessary if you’d like to access streaming services securely with a VPN. As well as Japanese locations for streaming, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network. This helps if you’d like to access services in other countries too. 
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Japan has average download speeds of 154 Mbps, so each of the providers listed above will be able to get the job done with no lag or buffering.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN to watch Japanese Netflix 

It doesn’t take long to get started if you want to set up a provider to work with Japanese TV platforms like Netflix. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the necessary steps. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN to watch Japanese Netflix:

1. Select a VPN provider that works with Netflix Japan. We’ve listed several recommendations above. 
2. Sign up with the provider, and make a note of your login details.
3. Download the relevant VPN app for your device.
4. Open the VPN app, and sign in. 
5. Connect to a server location in Japan.

That’s all it takes to get started, and you’ll be able to access a long list of blocked Japanese sites and services while abroad. If you’re having trouble, try deleting your cookies to ensure the streaming service doesn’t remember your real location. Alternatively, try another Japanese VPN server, or get in contact with support staff for more help.

Japanese Netflix VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Japanese Netflix?

A free VPN connection is unlikely to be able to access Japanese Netflix. The majority of providers tend to focus on unblocking platforms in countries like the United States, so it can be tough to find a suitable provider for the role in the first place. 

Even if you do find a free VPN that works with Netflix Japan, everything from privacy to performance is questionable. Free providers have been known to sell user data, or lack basic encryption. Speeds are also going to be far slower than the averages seen above. Free VPNs also tend to be missing out on key features, so may be more prone to security risks. 

Which VPNs don’t work with Japanese Netflix?

Here is a list of providers which have failed to work with Netflix in the past:

• Zenmate
• LiquidVPN
• Hola
• SaferVPN
• Tunnelbear
• CactusVPN
• Private Internet Access (PIA)
• Buffered
• Mullvad 
• Keenow
• HideMyAss

Do I need to change my region to watch Japanese Netflix?

Yes, you’ll need to change your region in order to access the Japanese version of Netflix, so you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in Japan to be assigned a relevant Japanese IP address. 

How do I get Japanese subtitles on Netflix?

If you sign in to Netflix Japan, you should be able to access Japanese subtitles by using the closed captioning menu. You'll also have the option for English subtitles with some content. 

Why is my VPN not working with Netflix Japan? 

Your VPN might not work with Netflix Japan; instead you’ll be more likely to be served with a local version of the streaming service. Netflix is available in over 190 countries, so it’ll default to the local version of the platform in most instances.

Your VPN might be using an IP address that has already been blocked by Netflix. If so, try switching to a different server, and be sure to remove any cookies and clear the cache from your device.  

Will Netflix ban me for using a VPN?

Netflix is unlikely to target the user if they’re found to be connected via a VPN. Instead, the streaming platform is more likely to go after the provider, blocking the IP addresses used by VPN servers. 

However, it may go against Netflix’s terms of service to connect to the platform via a VPN.

What can I watch with Japanese Netflix?

There’s a long list of content that you’ll be able to stream via Japanese Netflix. One of the major perks is the ability to watch lots of exclusive anime, which isn’t available for international Netflix users. The same goes for Japanese movies, as well as more unique content. 

Will a VPN slow down my connection speeds?

VPNs can always have an impact on your overall connection speeds, depending on factors such as the server load, and how far away they are from your current physical location. However, the premium VPNs listed above have average speeds far beyond the minimum needed for UHD streaming. If your internet connection isn't being throttled, it's unlikely that a VPN will exceed your normal speeds.

You can find out more about Netflix’s connection speed recommendations here. You'll be able to conduct your own speed tests to see if there's any difference in performance.