How to get an IP address for Japan with a VPN

Using a VPN for Japan allows you to connect to a server in the country to give you a Japanese IP address. This guide shows you how and the best VPNs for the job.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a simple and secure method to get a Japanese IP address. This is true whether you’re currently in the country, or you would like to access geo-restricted Japanese services while abroad. For example, Japan is home to a wide selection of content that can’t be accessed without a relevant Japanese IP address, such as U-Next, J:COM TV, TVer, GYAO!, and more.

The same is true for apps, services, and streaming platforms in other countries like the US and the UK. A VPN hides your real IP address by masking it, encrypting all traffic sent to and from your device in the process. You’ll be assigned an IP address that matches the VPN server you’ve chosen. In this case, you’ll need a provider that has a strong presence in Japan. 

We’ll take you through each of the best VPNs for a Japanese IP address in detail below. We’ve also included a quick rundown detailing what you can expect from each provider.

Best VPNs for a Japanese IP address:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for a Japanese IP address. Locations in Tokyo and Osaka that can be accessed from anywhere, unique features including Meshnet, offers fast speeds, streaming support, and more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for a Japanese IP address. Unlimited device connections, servers in 100+ countries, strong security, streaming capabilities, and lots of features. 
3. ExpressVPN: An established VPN with Japanese servers. This respected provider offers the Lightway protocol, Japanese servers, unmatched unblocking, and beginner-friendly apps for all devices. 
4. Proton VPN: A solid VPN with free Japanese servers. Especially feature-rich, audited service, streaming access, and fast connection speeds. 
5. Mullvad: A secure VPN with Japanese servers on offer. Advanced features, Japan servers, and average speeds in excess of 660 Mbps. 
6. CyberGhost VPN: A user-friendly VPN for Japan. This service is often favored by those in need of a VPN for streaming or torrenting.
7. IPVanish: A Japan VPN with unlimited device connections, fast speeds for streaming, and reliable apps for all major platforms. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for a Japanese IP address, there’s a long list of providers that will be able to get the job done. Japan is a popular country in terms of VPN usage, and almost every VPN you can think of will have a server or two in the region. 

We further 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 getting an IP address from Japan:

• Servers in Japan are necessary for getting an IP address from the region
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task
• Streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass blocks on 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 a Japan IP address, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for a Japanese IP address

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

NordVPN currently has 165+ servers in Japan that are split between Tokyo and Osaka. It’s just one small segment of an impressive network of 6,000+ servers in 61+ countries that can be relied upon to get an IP address from almost anywhere in the world. 

Along with being able to give the user a Japanese IP address, Nord has lots of features that help it stand out from the competition. For example, SmartPlay works to automatically access geo-restricted streaming content, while NordLynx is a custom protocol which ensures average speeds of roughly 200 Mbps. Meshnet is a unique private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is free of charge with no subscription necessary. 

You’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP from Tokyo, which means you’ll be assigned an IP address that won’t be shared with other users. NordVPN apps are available for all major devices. 

Double VPN works as a form of MultiHop, while speciality servers allow for torrenting and Onion Over VPN. It comes with a sturdy kill switch, and NordVPN can access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many more services. The provider has had its infrastructure and apps independently audited by PWC Switzerland, and it comes with a strict no-logs policy.  

It’s hard to think of many instances in which NordVPN won’t be helpful for the average user. However, it does lack port forwarding, and only allows for six simultaneous device connections. 

THE BEST VPN FOR A JAPANESE IP ADDRESS: NordVPN is a tried-and-tested provider with a strong presence in Japan, as well as Asia itself. Various unique features, streaming support, fast connection speeds, strong security, and a strict no-logs policy. Simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark is great if you'd prefer a budget service. The low-cost provider has 3,200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, which is an impressive network that includes a location in Tokyo for a Japanese IP address. 

Surfshark is compatible with a long list of streaming services, including the likes of Netflix Japan and J Sports. Average download speeds work out to 190 Mbps, so you won’t see any loss of performance while the VPN is active. 

You’ll be able to use an unlimited number of devices with a single Surfshark account, and apps are available for Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. This is helpful if you’d like to share, or plan to secure every device you own simultaneously. 

It keeps no traffic logs, and features include a kill switch, split tunneling, MultiHop, obfuscation, and more. Surfshark One is where you’ll find optional extras, including antivirus, an identity monitoring service, and a private search engine.

Despite being marketed as a budget service, it doesn’t cut any corners, and matches up to premium alternatives in most respects. 

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR A JAPAN IP ADDRESS: Surfshark is a simple low-cost solution for anyone in need of a Japanese IP address. Affordable plans, decent speeds, lots of streaming support, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another capable provider, with servers found in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama. Each Japanese location supports the proprietary Lightway protocol, offering average speeds of 175 Mbps. 

It’s arguably the best-known VPN on the market, and with good reason. It works to bypass geo-restrictions on a wide range of content, whether it’s in Japan, Europe, or elsewhere. This includes Netflix, Hulu, TVer, and more, accessing heaps of content from abroad without breaking a sweat.  

A simple service to get used to, Express has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. It also comes with custom firmware that works with a number of router models, and it can be controlled via Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browser extensions. 

ExpressVPN has been audited on multiple occasions, including its policies, its infrastructure, and its apps. The provider keeps no-logs, and there are servers in 105+ countries. 

As for downsides, it’s more expensive than the competition, and it’s getting harder to justify a higher asking price as smaller providers continue to close the gap with each passing year. 

USER-FRIENDLY JAPANESE VPN: ExpressVPN is a top option for a Japanese IP address. Solid customer support, decent speeds, Lightway protocol, and works to access various blocked sites and services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is a trustworthy provider that is likely to be of interest if you need a Japanese IP address. It was developed by the team behind ProtonMail, offering a secure VPN with apps for all major platforms. 

Proton is one of the few services to offer a free tier with no bandwidth limitations, even if it can’t be used for tasks like streaming, or Tor over VPN. However, Proton has free servers that are found in Japan, so it will work to get an IP address from the region in a pinch. 

The free version isn’t ideal for extended usage, but Proton won’t sell your data, and it only hopes to see users moving to the premium version of the service. 

Plus-tier users get access to everything from streaming support to Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through a country like Sweden or Switzerland before reaching Japan for improved privacy. 

It comes with a watertight no-logs policy, and it’s a great choice for torrenting thanks to support for split tunneling and port forwarding. Additional features include the ability to block malware, ads, and trackers. We recorded average speeds of 320 Mbps. 

ADVANCED JAPAN VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced, trustworthy provider with free servers found in Japan that are perfect in a pinch. Plus users get access to lots of features, streaming access, and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

Mullvad has a total of 25+ Japanese servers, ensuring fast speeds and enhanced security from anywhere in the world. Arguably overequipped if you’re only in need of a Japanese IP address, there are servers in a further 42+ countries. 

A specialist service that will improve online privacy, it offers a zero logs policy, MultiHop, a solid kill switch, obfuscation, AES encryption, and many additional advanced features. Malware filtering, tracker blocking, and ad blocking are always helpful, and it collects no user information when signing up. 

Average speeds are in excess of 660 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPN providers on the market by a wide margin. 

This makes Mullvad a great option for torrenting, but the same can’t be said for accessing Japanese streaming services. Similarly, it doesn’t work with international platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Hulu, or HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for bypassing streaming blocks.

SECURE JAPANESE IP ADDRESS: Mullvad is the first name that comes to mind if privacy is your sole aim. Japanese servers, strong security, and numerous advanced features help it to stand out from the crowd. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost VPN has over 100 servers in Japan that are physically located in Tokyo. With a collection of 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries, it’s one of the best options if you’re looking for a user-friendly provider that offers a mix of solid security and streaming support. 

Its servers are designed to be used with various popular streaming platforms in a large selection of countries. As well as Japan, there are labeled options for Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the US. The Japanese servers can also be used to torrent safely. 

You’ll find an ad-blocker, anti-tracking, and anti-malware features, alongside the basics like 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. 

CyberGhost might not be packed with the most features in comparison to some of the providers seen above, but average speeds of 296 Mbps ensure that you’ll never lag while connected to a Japanese server. 

OPTIMIZED JAPANESE STREAMING SERVERS: CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly provider with servers that are optimized to work with Japanese streaming services. Fast speeds, simple apps, and a strict no-logs policy. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish is another capable solution for users in need of a Japanese IP address. You’ll find a location in Tokyo, and 100+ servers in Asia, as part of a network of 2,200+. The provider allows the user to connect unlimited devices with a single account, so it’s easy to share with others. 

The VPN is a great choice for streaming US content, and average download speeds work out to just over 250 Mbps. It might not be the best option for accessing Japanese streaming sites, but it’s still suitable for tasks like torrenting, browsing, and gaming. 

You’ll find IPVanish apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick/FireTV, and Chrome OS. 

It doesn’t have the most features, even if you’ll be ably protected by 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. You’ll have to look elsewhere for Smart DNS, Tor over VPN, or MultiHop, but it’ll give you a Japanese IP address with a few clicks. 

UNLIMITED DEVICE CONNECTIONS: IPVanish has 20+ servers in Japan, offering high speeds and a strict no-logs policy. Strong security and streaming support via servers in the US. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for a Japanese IP address  

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. 

Our strict criteria means that 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 a Japanese IP address:

• Servers: Servers in Japan are necessary if you’d like to access sites and services securely with a VPN. As well as Japanese locations that give you a local IP address, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network. 
• 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. The VPN must offer unlimited bandwidth for accessing Japanese websites from abroad. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from protection from DNS leaks 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 get a Japanese IP address  

1. Select a VPN with servers in Japan and sign up to begin. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the relevant VPN app to the device/s you wish to use. 
3. Open the app, and sign in with your login details. 
4. You’ll now need to select a Japanese server location. This will assign you a corresponding IP address from the country. 

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. 

Can I use a free VPN for a Japanese IP address?

There are a number of freemium providers that have server locations in Japan. However, the majority will be capped or limited to some degree. There’s a chance that more nefarious providers will log and sell your personal data, or may lack the encryption necessary to keep your information safe.   

Proton VPN is a solid option if you’re in need of a free Japanese IP address, even if it does come with a number of limitations. For instance, speeds are far slower, and you won’t be able to stream or torrent via free servers. 

Japanese IP address VPN FAQs

Can I get an IP address from a specific Japanese city like Tokyo?

Yes. You’ll be able to get an IP address from a specific Japanese city as long as the VPN has a relevant server location to connect to. For example, NordVPN has servers found in Tokyo and Osaka, giving the user a nearby IP address while connected.

Is it legal to change my IP address to Japan?

Yes, in most countries it’s entirely legal to use a VPN to change your IP address, and the same goes for Japan itself. It’s often used for remote work, and you’ll be free to change your IP to match any country you’d prefer. 

Rules will vary depending on your current location, so make sure to take the time to learn about whether VPNs are legal in your current jurisdiction. China and Russia are two countries that have blocked or banned the use of VPNs to some extent.

What can I do with a Japanese IP address?

A Japanese IP address can be used for a wide range of online tasks. The user can stream geo-restricted movies and TV shows while abroad, as well as being able to access Japan-only websites. This includes online banking.

You’ll be free to use public WiFi, and you’ll also benefit from improved online privacy thanks to a hidden IP address.

Are there any other ways to get a Japanese IP address?

Yes, there are other methods if you’re in need of a Japanese IP address and you don’t want to use a VPN to do so. For example, you’ll be able to use a proxy or Smart DNS, although the former tends to lead to privacy issues, and the latter doesn't provide encryption at all.

Can I get a dedicated Japanese IP address?

A dedicated IP address gives the user an IP address that doesn’t change and isn’t shared with other users each time they connect to the VPN server. This often gives the appearance of being a residential user, making it possible to access Japanese sites and services without arousing suspicion. 

However, only a handful of services offer a dedicated IP address in Japan. NordVPN is an example, with options in Tokyo.

What kinds of streaming services can I access with an IP address from Japan?

There are plenty of regional streaming services that will be accessible with a Japanese IP address. For example, you should be able to stream via Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan, Amazon Prime Video Japan, AbemaTV, dTV, U-Next, J:COM TV, TVer, GYAO!, and more. The same goes for international platforms, including BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.