4 Best VPNs for Japan to Stay Safe Online in 2024
Reading time: 6 min
Updated on September 24, 2023
In Japan, more than 90% of the population has access to the Internet. While government surveillance and Internet censorship isn’t a current concern, the tides are shifting.
A VPN helps you maintain privacy on the web, protects your traffic with encryption, and gives you access to a proxy server for an alternative IP address, to protect you from hackers or malicious third parties.
Remote servers are helpful if you are traveling and want to access content from elsewhere, for example, watching your favorite shows on American Netflix even when you’re traveling abroad.
My team and I don’t condone illegal behavior and the protection of a VPN doesn’t give you license to commit illegal acts. So please exercise a basic level of caution when using a VPN in Japan. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Choosing the Best VPN for Japan
At WizCase we strive to learn the ins and outs of every VPN service so we can make educated and helpful recommendations.
Our selection for which VPNs would be best for use in Japan is based upon the following criteria:
- Fast speeds
- An extensive network of global server locations
- Reliable connections
- Strong encryption
- Unblocks local content including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Keep no usage logs
- Apps for multiple devices
- Allows multiple connections
- Provides a trial period or money-back guarantee
1ExpressVPN
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 2,000+ global servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Check any list we’ve done, and you’ll probably see ExpressVPN near the top. Express is a market leader in the industry, and the service is so reliable when it comes to your Internet security, utilizing state of the art protocols like 256-bit encryption and an internet kill switch.
The simple app design makes it easy for beginner users to get connected fast, with no prior knowledge required to establish the security you deserve.
ExpressVPN won’t store any logs about your traffic, and you can sign up with a burner e-mail and pay with bitcoin for added anonymity.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2CyberGhost VPN
- Connect up to seven devices simultaneously
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost VPN doesn’t keep user logs so are a great option, with servers located in over 60 countries throughout the world, including Japan, so finding the right connection for your needs won’t be an issue.
CyberGhost offers apps for a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems. Their VPN Chrome extension isn’t a full VPN, but it does allow you to browse in Japan with a proxy.
CyberGhost protects your data with 256-bit AES encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and an internet kill switch.
CyberGhost’s 24/7 customer support team is both helpful and friendly and available via chat or email.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3PrivateVPN
- 1-click-setup
- Customer support direct from PrivateVPN developers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Receive unlimited bandwidth and speeds, six simultaneous connections, and affordable pricing with PrivateVPN. The service can grant you safe access to Netflix in 12 regions, including the United States, so you’ll be able to keep up with your favorite content even if you are travelling abroad.
PrivateVPN supports torrenting and P2P on their network of 100+ servers which are located in more than 30 countries. 2048-bit encryption with AES-256 keeps you protected and safe from prying, with a no-log policy and support on Windows, Mac, and Android platforms.
4IPVanish VPN
- 40,000+ shared IP
- Connect up to ten devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support
IPVanish VPN does keep logs, but only to store your user details when the account first opens, other than that, all browsing sessions are hidden. IPVanish has strict encryption practices, an internet kill switch, and unlimited server switching for security and privacy.
With servers located in over 60 countries, you can access your home country’s content anywhere. Torrenting is permitted on all servers, and they have some of the fastest speeds around.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, with one downside being just a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Free VPNs for Japan
In Japan, where both you and your readers are located, we provide guidance on various services. Specifically, we caution against the usage of cost-free VPNs within Japan due to their restrictions on server coverage, bandwidth, speed, and encryption methods. We stress that expecting high-quality service without a cost is unrealistic.
Companies providing a free service need to make money for operating costs, workforce, and marketing, and many of them track your activity, insert cookies, and sell your information to third-party advertisers.
Is Torrenting Legal in Japan?
Japan features some of the strictest anti-torrenting laws in the world. Violators face fines up to 10 million yen and two-years in prison if caught.
In 2013 alone, 27 people were arrested for uploading manga, anime, music videos, and video games without permission from the copyright holders. My team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting, but it’s important to know how to torrent safely. Make sure the torrents you download are copyright-free, and use a VPN to keep your personal data and identity safe from third-party hackers and web trackers on torrent sites.
What Does The Future Hold for Japan?
In 2016, it became known that Japan was attempting forceful takedowns of influential voices in the media, with even the UN stating that Japan’s independence is facing massive threats at this time. It makes sense to begin protecting yourself and start encrypting your data now.
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in Japan or are planning a trip, you owe it to yourself to have the best protection possible; using one of the best VPNs for Japan to ensure you and your personal data are safe while online.
Summary: These Are The Top VPNs That Work in Japan in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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