Best VPN for Japan: Complete Guide 2026

Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, expats, and travelers, with major hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto attracting international professionals. While Japan offers world-class internet infrastructure with some of the fastest speeds globally, using a VPN remains important for privacy, accessing international content, and protecting your data.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and allows you to access content from around the world while protecting your online privacy. Whether you're streaming international content, gaming with low latency, or working remotely from a Japanese café, a VPN provides essential security and unrestricted access.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that work reliably in Japan, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer fast servers, strong security features, and excellent performance on Japan's high-speed internet infrastructure.

What a VPN is and how it works in Japan

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your connection through secure servers around the world. This protects your data from surveillance, hackers, and third parties while allowing you to access content from different countries.

In Japan, a VPN serves multiple purposes: it secures your connection on public WiFi networks, protects your privacy online, allows you to access streaming content from your home country, and provides low-latency connections for international gaming.

Here's how it works:

1. Install a VPN app on your device
2. Connect to a server (Japan for local content, your home country for familiar content, or anywhere else)
3. Browse, stream, and game with complete privacy and security
4. Your real IP address and location are hidden

Why you may need a VPN in Japan

While Japan has excellent internet infrastructure and generally good online freedom, there are important reasons to use a VPN in Japan.

Using a VPN in Japan helps you:

• Access streaming services from your home country (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.)
• Secure your connection on public WiFi in cafés, hotels, and train stations
• Protect sensitive work data when working remotely
• Access Japanese content when traveling outside Japan
• Reduce lag for international gaming servers
• Bypass geographic restrictions on certain services
• Maintain privacy from ISP tracking
• Access better deals on international purchases
• Secure online banking and financial transactions

For expats, digital nomads, and international gamers in Japan, a VPN provides essential security and flexibility.

VPNs that work reliably in Japan

NordVPN: premium speed and security

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Japan, offering excellent speeds on Japanese networks, servers located in Tokyo, and low latency perfect for gaming and streaming.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Servers in Japan (Tokyo) for local connections
• 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
• Lightning-fast speeds on Japanese fiber networks
• Low latency for gaming (typically under 10ms to Tokyo servers)
• Military-grade encryption
• No-log policy independently audited
• Perfect for remote work and video calls
• 24-hour live chat support
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Gamers, digital nomads, and expats in Japan who need the fastest speeds, low latency for gaming, and reliable access to both Japanese and international content.

Surfshark: unlimited devices, excellent value

Surfshark provides reliable performance in Japan with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for digital nomads with multiple devices or families living in Japan.

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Servers in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka) for local access
• 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
• Fast speeds on Japanese networks
• CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
• Good gaming performance
• Affordable long-term pricing
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Families, digital nomads with multiple devices, or budget-conscious users who want reliable VPN protection in Japan.

VPN comparison for Japan

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently in Japan. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your needs.

NordVPN is ideal if you want the absolute fastest speeds, lowest latency for gaming, and premium performance on Japan's fiber networks.

Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices, want unlimited simultaneous connections, and prefer budget-friendly pricing.

Which Japanese streaming services can you access?

With a VPN, you can access Japanese streaming services when traveling abroad, or access international content while in Japan:

Japanese streaming platforms:

• TVer - Free Japanese TV streaming
• AbemaTV - Live TV and on-demand content
• Hulu Japan - Japanese version with local content
• Netflix Japan - Extensive anime and J-drama library
• Amazon Prime Video Japan - Japanese originals and anime
• U-NEXT - Japanese movies, TV shows, and manga
• DAZN Japan - Sports streaming
• NHK Plus - Japanese public broadcaster

International streaming with VPN in Japan:

• Netflix (access your home country's library)
• Hulu US (US content with US server)
• BBC iPlayer (UK content with UK server)
• Disney+ (available in Japan, access other regions)
• HBO Max (US content with US server)
• Crunchyroll (anime streaming, different libraries by region)

Connect to Japanese servers to watch Japanese content abroad, or connect to international servers to access content from other countries while in Japan.

How to set up a VPN in Japan

Setting up a VPN in Japan is straightforward and works with all Japanese internet providers (NTT, SoftBank, au, etc.).

Step-by-step setup:

1. Choose and subscribe to a VPN
   • Select NordVPN or Surfshark
   • Complete subscription on their website
   • Create your account
2. Download and install
   • Download the app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.)
   • Install the application
   • Log in with your credentials
3. Connect to a server
   • For local Japanese content: Connect to Tokyo or Osaka server
   • For your home country content: Connect to your home country
   • For international content: Choose any country
4. Start browsing securely
   • Your connection is now encrypted
   • Browse, stream, and game with complete privacy
   • Switch servers anytime

Pro tips for Japan:

• Connect to Tokyo servers for lowest latency in Kanto region
• Connect to Osaka servers for best speeds in Kansai region
• Use WireGuard protocol for fastest speeds on fiber
• Enable auto-connect for automatic protection on public WiFi

VPN performance on Japanese internet providers

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently with all major Japanese ISPs:

NTT (Flets Hikari)

• Excellent VPN compatibility
• No VPN blocking
• Full fiber speeds maintained

SoftBank Hikari

• Full VPN support
• Reliable connections
• Fast speeds on fiber

au Hikari

• VPN-friendly network
• No restrictions
• Excellent performance

NURO Hikari

• Works perfectly with VPNs
• 2Gbps speeds fully supported
• No connection issues

All major Japanese internet providers allow VPN usage without restrictions. Japan's fiber infrastructure ensures minimal speed reduction with premium VPNs.

VPN for gaming in Japan

Japan is a major gaming hub, and many expats and international gamers use VPNs for better connections to foreign servers or to access region-locked games.

Gaming benefits with VPN:

• Connect to optimal servers in other countries
• Reduce lag on international game servers
• Access games not released in Japan yet
• Play on regional servers (NA, EU, SEA)
• Protect against DDoS attacks
• Secure gaming on public WiFi

Best VPN servers for gaming from Japan:

• Tokyo servers - Lowest latency for local gaming
• South Korea servers - Great for Asian game servers
• Singapore servers - Good for SEA region games
• US West Coast servers - Best for NA gaming (100-120ms)
• Sydney servers - For Oceania region

NordVPN offers slightly better gaming performance with lower latency, while Surfshark provides good gaming speeds at a better price point.

Using VPN in Japanese cafés and public spaces

Japan has extensive public WiFi availability in train stations, cafés, convenience stores, and tourist areas. A VPN is essential when using these networks.

Popular locations with public WiFi:

• Starbucks Japan
• Tully's Coffee
• Doutor Coffee
• 7-Eleven WiFi
• Lawson WiFi
• FamilyMart WiFi
• Train stations (JR, Tokyo Metro)
• Airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai)

Why VPN is crucial for public WiFi:

• Public networks are vulnerable to attacks
• Protect passwords and login credentials
• Secure work data and files
• Prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
• Maintain privacy in crowded spaces

Always connect to your VPN before joining any public WiFi network in Japan, including seemingly secure networks in cafés and hotels.

VPN for accessing Japanese content abroad

If you're Japanese or have lived in Japan and want to access Japanese content while abroad, a VPN with Japanese servers is essential.

Japanese content to access:

• Japanese TV shows and dramas
• Anime on Japanese platforms
• Japanese sports (baseball, sumo, soccer)
• Japanese news and current affairs
• J-pop music streaming
• Japanese gaming content

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer servers in Tokyo (and Surfshark in Osaka), allowing you to access Japanese content from anywhere in the world.

Language and interface considerations

Both VPNs offer full Japanese language support:

NordVPN:

• Japanese language app interface
• Japanese customer support available
• Japanese payment methods accepted

Surfshark:

• Japanese language interface
• Customer support in Japanese
• Accepts Japanese payment methods

This makes setup and usage easier for Japanese speakers or those more comfortable with Japanese interfaces.

VPN and Japan's internet regulations

Japan has relatively open internet policies compared to other Asian countries. VPN usage is completely legal and there are no government restrictions on VPN services.

Key points:

• VPN use is fully legal in Japan
• No government blocking of VPN services
• ISPs don't restrict VPN traffic
• Commonly used by expats and businesses
• No registration or reporting requirements

VPNs are considered standard security tools in Japan and are widely used by both individuals and corporations.

Can I use a free VPN in Japan?

Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Japan:

• Unreliable connections that drop frequently
• Slow speeds despite Japan's fast infrastructure
• Data caps that limit usage
• Poor security with questionable privacy policies
• May sell your browsing data
• Limited server options
• No customer support
• Often blocked by streaming services

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark fully utilize Japan's fast fiber infrastructure, offer unlimited bandwidth, strong security, and 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is worth it for dependable protection.

VPN on different devices in Japan

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all devices commonly used in Japan:

Computers: Windows, Mac, LinuxMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsSmart TVs: Android TV, Samsung, LGStreaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, ChromecastGaming consoles: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, XboxRouters: Configure VPN for whole-home protection

NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connectionsSurfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections

For digital nomads and families with multiple devices, Surfshark's unlimited connections provide excellent value.

Best cities in Japan for digital nomads

Japan's major cities offer excellent infrastructure for remote work:

Tokyo:

• Fastest internet in Japan
• Extensive coworking spaces
• International community
• 24/7 convenience

Osaka:

• Lower cost of living than Tokyo
• Great food scene
• Strong expat community
• Excellent connectivity

Kyoto:

• Cultural experience
• Growing digital nomad scene
• Good coworking options
• Peaceful work environment

Fukuoka:

• Startup-friendly city
• Lower costs
• Growing tech scene
• Good work-life balance

All cities have excellent internet infrastructure where VPNs work flawlessly.

Final recommendation: best VPN for Japan 2026

Japan offers world-class internet infrastructure, making it an ideal location for remote work, gaming, and streaming. A VPN enhances this experience by providing security, privacy, and unrestricted access to global content.

NordVPN is the top choice for Japan with the fastest speeds on Japanese fiber networks, lowest latency for gaming, servers in Tokyo, and premium security features for remote work.

Surfshark is ideal for families and digital nomads in Japan who want unlimited device connections, excellent value pricing, and reliable performance across all Japanese internet providers.

Both work flawlessly on Japan's high-speed networks, offer Japanese language support, 24/7 customer service, and 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy secure, unrestricted internet access throughout your time in Japan.