Best VPNs to Watch Netflix Japan Online in 2024

A VPN needs reliable Japanese servers with fast speeds for you to watch Netflix JP in Ultra HD from within the country. Not many services can provide that, but the vpnMentor team and I carried out extensive testing to find the few you can rely on.

We’ve drawn up a list of VPNs that consistently work with Netflix JP and offer HD-friendly speeds from within Japan. Hypothetically, you could use these VPNs to access Netflix JP from abroad. But that may violate copyright laws and Netflix's terms of use, so I strongly advise against it.

However, VPNs are great for securing your connections while streaming your local content. If you're in Japan, ExpressVPN is the best for watching Netflix JP in HD or UHD. With dozens of servers spread across 4 reliable locations in Japan, it’s ideal for streaming Netflix from within the country. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Stream in HD With ExpressVPN

Short on Time? Here Are The Best VPNs for Netflix Japan in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best VPNs for Netflix Japan — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

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

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

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

All of the Japanese servers I tested from Sapporo let me stream Netflix JP in HD quality

It took me just 5 seconds to connect to the Tokyo server, and I was able to stream Netflix in Japan with ease. You get 4 different server Japanese locations to choose from, and all of them offer fast speeds and reliable connections for Netflix.

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 in Japan. 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 watch Netflix Japan on all your devices, even ones that don’t support a VPN. 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.

2. CyberGhost — Specialized Servers to Stream Netflix Reliably in Japan

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers a specialized server for watching Netflix JP from within the country. 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 can secure your connection and start streaming Netflix in Japan in no time.

Its fast speeds and quick connections were perfect for Netflix in Japan

While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, It still offers impressive speeds. I tested the Japan servers from Sapporo, 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 from Japan, 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 $2.03/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.

3. Private Internet Access — Large Network for Watching Netflix in Japan Without Server Crowding

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a large server network spread across 90 countries. However, it only has 2 locations in Japan, although one is optimized for streaming. I tested the streaming-optimized Japan server from Sapporo and had no issues streaming Netflix JP. I didn’t experience any interruptions or buffering, even in 4K.

The servers offer fast speeds for streaming Netflix in 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.

Each server I tried connected within a few seconds and I didn’t have to deal with lag while streaming in Japan

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.

4. NordVPN — Dedicated Japan IP Address To Watch Netflix JP Privately

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s dedicated IPs for Japan give you a private, reliable connection for Netflix JP. Typically, VPN IPs are shared with thousands of other users. However, having your own IP means you won’t risk running into slowdowns due to overcrowded servers. I used a dedicated IP during my tests in Japan, and experienced fast and smooth streaming.

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 watch Netflix JP on restricted networks, like at work or college.

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. There are 100+ servers in both of NordVPN’s Japanese locations, considerably more than most services. That means you have plenty of alternative connection options in case you encounter one that’s slow or laggy while you stream Netflix in Japan.

You can get a long-term NordVPN subscription for $3.09/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.

5. Surfshark — User-Friendly Interface to Easily Connect and Watch Netflix in Japan

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

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. You can also “favorite” your most-used servers for even faster connections in Japan. While testing it from Sapporo, I added a few Tokyo servers to my list to streamline the Netflix testing process. These servers connected in about 7 seconds and gave me smooth streaming for Netflix Japan every time. It also works for Japan Amazon Prime Video.

I had fast connections and zero interruptions from Japan, 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 for families and large groups in Japan that want 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 $2.89/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.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Quick Comparison Table: Netflix Japan VPN Features

When I shortlisted the best VPNs for watching Netflix in 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.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

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 for watching Netflix in Japan.

• Large server network — In order to stream Netflix securely in 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 watching 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 in 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.

FAQs on VPNs for Netflix Japan

Is it legal to watch Netflix in Japan while using a VPN?

Using a VPN to watch Netflix privately in Japan is perfectly legal. VPNs are powerful privacy tools that help keep you out of harm's way from a broad array of cyber threats whenever you go online.

However, you may run into legal issues if you use a VPN to watch Netflix JP from abroad. That may violate copyright laws as well as Netflix's terms of use. So I don’t recommend using a VPN in this way.

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. If you watch Netflix in Japan, you’ll also find a lot of content in Japanese that isn’t available in libraries in the rest of the world. On the other hand, this also means you won’t find the same titles as you’d see on Netflix in the US. That’s because Netflix’s content is region-specific — its library changes depending on where you are in the world due to licensing and distribution agreements.

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, so you can only get them from within the country. However, it’s easy to sign up for Netflix in Japan if you don’t already have an account. 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 the Best VPN for Netflix Japan Today

To watch Netflix privately in Japan, you need a VPN with reliable Japanese servers that support Ultra HD streaming. It’s a bonus if the location is nearby (within 1000 km). You also need a VPN that’s been tested to work reliably with Netflix Japan consistently.

After an extended stay in Sapporo, I can confirm that ExpressVPN is the best for Netflix JP. It has 4 locations in Japan, and every server supports streaming in Ultra HD. You can try it for yourself since it comes with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with any aspect of the service, you’ve got 30 days to claim a refund.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Netflix Japan

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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4

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

Save 69%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 85%!

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