How to Get a Japanese IP Address With a VPN in 2025

Accessing Japanese websites or apps from outside the country can be frustrating. You might get blocked when trying to shop on Japanese-exclusive eCommerce platforms or use local banking services like SMBC Direct and Rakuten Bank. Worse, many VPNs don’t work at all or leave your personal data exposed to risk.

How do I get a Japan IP from abroad? The simplest and safest way is to use a reliable VPN with secure servers in Japan. A quality VPN masks your real IP and assigns you a Japanese one, helping you appear as if you're browsing from within the country. It also encrypts your traffic to protect you from cyber threats like data theft, trackers, and public WiFi attacks. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 55% of Japanese VPN users rely on VPNs mainly for security, not just access1.

How To Get a Secure Japanese IP Address — 2025 Guide

A reliable VPN gives you a Japanese IP address so you can securely access Japanese platforms like MUFG, e-Gov, Mercari, and Rakuten from anywhere. Plus, it encrypts your internet traffic and prevents advertisers, hackers, and other third parties from monitoring your online activity.

Most providers offer user-friendly apps for all major devices, so setting it up is simple, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.

1. Download and Install the VPN

Start by choosing a VPN that has physical or virtual servers in Japan. Most top-tier services offer apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even smart TVs and routers. Installation typically takes just a few minutes. Once the app is installed, log in with your account credentials.

2. Configure Your VPN

Once installed, launch the VPN app and log in. Most premium VPNs come pre-configured for optimal speed and privacy, so you usually don’t need to change anything, especially if it’s your first time using one. That said, understanding a few settings can help you get the most out of your connection to a Japanese server:

• Protocols. Stick with Automatic unless you have a specific need. OpenVPN and WireGuard are good options too. They’re safe and fast.
• Kill switch. This shuts off your internet if the VPN disconnects, preventing your real IP from leaking.
• Split tunneling. This lets you route only specific apps or websites through the VPN, freeing up some bandwidth.
• Ad, malware, and tracker blockers. VPNs with built-in blockers can prevent pop-ups, trackers, and fake download links on Japanese websites, especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the language or navigating lesser-known sites.
• Connect on startup. This automatically activates the VPN when your device boots up, so you're protected at all times.

3. Connect to a Japanese Server

Open your VPN app and choose a server located in Japan. Most top VPNs offer multiple server locations in Japan — usually in cities like Tokyo or Osaka — which tend to deliver the fastest and most stable connections. Some apps even let you favorite specific servers for quick access later.

4. Test Your Japanese IP Address

Once connected, use an IP checking tool to confirm your IP is now located in Japan. Some VPNs can appear connected even when your real IP or DNS is leaking. Others might encrypt your traffic but accidentally route it through a different country. To avoid issues with Japanese websites or apps, it’s best to run a quick IP check using a tool like ipleak.net.

5. Use Your Secure Japanese IP

You can now access Japanese banking apps and local services as if you were inside the country. If you're planning to stream Japanese content in HD, keep in mind that not all VPNs offer the same quality. Some struggle with slow speeds or buffering. For smooth, high-quality streaming and gaming, ensure to choose a VPN known for fast, reliable servers.

Is It Safe to Use a Free Proxy for a Japanese IP Address?

Free proxies are not a safe or reliable way to get a Japanese IP address. Unlike VPNs, most proxies don’t encrypt your traffic. This leaves your data exposed to anyone monitoring the network, including hackers, ISPs, or the proxy operator itself. That’s a serious risk if you're trying to access sensitive services like Japanese banking apps, online shopping platforms, or government websites.

Free proxies also struggle with performance and stability. Many free Japanese proxies are run by unknown third parties, which raises concerns about logging, malware injection, and network reliability. For example, a 2024 analysis of 180,000 free proxies found that fewer than 2% were actually proxying traffic, and around 10% were found to inject ads or intercept TLS connections2.

Plus, these services often have unstable connections that drop suddenly, exposing your real IP address mid-session. That can compromise your privacy, especially on unsecured networks or public Wi-Fi.

They’re also frequently blocked by Japanese websites. Popular platforms in Japan actively blacklist known proxy IP addresses. This means you’ll spend more time hunting for working proxies than actually using them. It’s not the most dependable solution.

A premium VPN with Japanese servers offers far better protection. You get encryption, a stable connection, and real privacy — plus most top VPNs come with a money-back guarantee. That means you can try them risk-free and get reliable access to a Japanese IP without compromising your data.

FAQs on Getting a Japanese IP Address

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a Japanese IP address?

Using a VPN to get a Japanese IP address is legal in most countries, including Japan. VPNs are legitimate privacy tools that help protect your data when accessing Japanese content or services. However, some countries like China and Russia restrict VPN usage, so it's important to check local laws first.

Can I use a free VPN to get a Japanese IP address?

Probably, but they often come with serious limitations. To get a stable Japanese IP with strong privacy protections, it's better to use a premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee. Most free VPNs restrict your bandwidth, throttle speeds, or impose daily data caps, making them unreliable.

Worse still, some free providers log your activity and share it with advertisers or third parties. Many also lack essential security features like DNS leak protection or a kill switch, which means your real IP address could still be exposed.

How will I know if my IP address was changed to Japan?

Use an online IP address checker to see if it changes before and after you connect. These tools show your current IP address and its detected location. If the IP is listed as being in Japan, the change was successful. Make sure the location matches the city or region you selected in the VPN app, and double-check that there are no IP or DNS leaks that could reveal your real location.

Which VPNs provide dedicated Japanese IP addresses?

A few premium VPNs offer dedicated or static Japanese IP addresses as a paid add-on. For example, ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IPs in select regions, including Japan. These are useful for accessing Japanese banking platforms, business tools, or any service that requires a stable, trusted IP address. Since the IP isn’t shared with other users, it reduces the chances of blocks and provides a more consistent experience with Japanese services.

Just keep in mind that dedicated IPs come at an extra cost and may reduce anonymity, since the IP is tied to your account.

References

1. https://www.ndss-symposium.org/wp-content/uploads/usec2024-45-paper.pdf?
2. https://arxiv.org/html/2403.02445v1/