How to Access Google Play Japan From Anywhere (2024 Guide)
Reading time: 16 min
Updated on February 07, 2024
Google’s Japanese Play Store is home to a range of exclusive apps, including e-amusement, GITADORA, and Taiko no Tatsujin. These aren’t available outside of Japan due to distribution restrictions. However, it’s possible to access Google Play Japan’s content with a VPN.
A VPN hides your IP address, making it appear as though your device is located somewhere else. Connecting to a Japanese VPN server lets you access Google Play like you were in the country.
ExpressVPN is the best for accessing Google Play Japan. With 4 server locations, fast speeds, and top security, it’s simple to connect. Plus, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you change your mind, you can get a full refund. 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.
Access Google Play Japan with ExpressVPN
Important! Google Play Japan’s content is sometimes geo-restricted due to copyright and content restrictions. While it’s legal to use a VPN to access Google Play Japan, you could breach copyright rules by accessing restricted content. Make sure you’re aware of all laws and terms before connecting. My team and I don’t condone any illegal activity.
Easy Guide: How to Access Google Play Japan From Anywhere
- Get a VPN and connect to a server in Japan. With 4 high-speed server locations in Japan, ExpressVPN is the top choice for the Japanese Google Play Store.
- Create a new Google Play Japan account. You can use it alongside your existing account.
- Access Google Play Japan. Now you can browse and download Japanese apps on Android!
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Download Apps on the Japanese Google Play Store
The easiest way to download apps on Google Play Japan is to create a new Google Play account. You can use this alongside your existing account and switch between the 2 when needed.
While it’s possible to change your region to Japan if you have a Google Play account already, I advise against this — you can’t change your region back for 1 year and you’ll lose access to any existing funds or gift cards.
- Get a VPN with servers in Japan. I recommend you try ExpressVPN with the Japanese Google Play Store, as it has multiple servers in Japan with fast connections.
- Download the VPN to your Android device and connect to a Japanese server. ExpressVPN will change color to green, so you know you’re securely connected.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN's Android app before and after connecting to a server, showing the green glow that confirms the connection.]()
- Create a Japanese Google Play account. In your Android settings, go to Google and click “Add Another Account,” then “Create Account.” You’ll need to choose a new email address and password, and enter your name and birth date. The VPN connection will indicate to Google that you’re located in Japan, and it will automatically set your region based on this.
![Screenshots of Android device settings, showing how to create a new Google account.]()
- Go into your Android device settings and tap “Manage applications.” You may have to scroll down to find it.
![Screenshots of Android phone settings highlighting the "Apps" and "Manage Apps" options.]()
- Tap the Google Play app and tap “clear data” and “clear cache.” This removes any stored location data that could affect your connection to Google Play Japan.
![Screenshots of Google Play app info on an Android smartphone, with instructions for clearing the user data and cache for the app.]()
- Open the Google Play Store and switch to your new account. Stay connected to the VPN server to ensure your true location remains masked.
- Start browsing and downloading Japan-exclusive apps from Google Play Japan! Note that some Japanese apps require a Japanese phone number to use them.
![Screenshot of ExpressVPN Android app connected to Japanese server, alongside Google Play app showing a Japan-exclusive app available to install.]()
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.
The Best VPNs for Google Play Japan (Tested in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Google Play Japan App Downloads
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including 4 locations in Japan
- Fastest speeds ensure quick download times for Japanese apps
- Works on 8 devices at the same time
- App supports Android Lollipop (5.0), Marshmallow (6.0), Nougat (7.0), Oreo (8.0), Pie (9.0), 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14
- 24/7 customer support over live chat and email
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s fast speeds make it ideal for connecting to the Japanese Play Store and downloading apps. During tests, my speed drop was so small I didn’t notice a difference, which is particularly impressive when Japan’s servers are over 9,500km from my location. Downloads completed just as quick as if I were connected to my local Play Store.
For quick connections to Google Play Japan, ExpressVPN has a Shortcuts feature. Here, you can add Google Play to access it in 1 click once you’ve connected to a server. This makes it even easier to start browsing apps and games, and it took me less than a minute to set up the shortcut.
To keep your app downloads and personal information safe, ExpressVPN has a host of security and privacy features, including:
- Military-grade encryption — keeps data and billing information secure when connecting to and downloading apps on Google Play Japan.
- Kill switch — prevents data from being exposed if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted.
- Data leak protection — stops DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks from revealing your true location to Google Play.
- Zero-logs policy — independent audits show ExpressVPN never logs or stores personally-identifiable data.
The only downside is ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other services. The best-value plan is the 2-year + 4 months free subscription and it costs a month. In my view, it’s worth the small investment for the huge range of top-tier features and reliable connections to the Japanese Play Store.
You can try ExpressVPN with Google Play Japan risk-free as it’s backed by a 2-year + 4 months free-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, it’s simple to get a refund — I contacted an agent using the 24/7 live chat and my request was processed with no questions asked. I had my money back in 5 days.
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.
ExpressVPN works with: Netflix Japan, Disney+ Japan, Amazon Prime Video Japan, Hulu, Vudu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, Sky Go, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Smart Rules Configuration Auto-Connects to Google Japan Server
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in 100 countries, including 1 location in Japan
- Configure Smart Rules to auto-connect for quick access to Google Play Japan
- Supports up to 7 device connections at once
- Compatible with Android Lollipop (5.0), Marshmallow (6.0), Nougat (7.0), Oreo (8.0), Pie (9.0), 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14
- 24/7 customer support via email and live chat
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s Smart Rules are configurable to auto-connect to a Japanese server, making it quick and easy to access Google Play Japan. I found it easy to set up the automatic connections in less than a minute, after which I didn’t have to worry about remembering to connect — CyberGhost did it for me.
With a compact and intuitive Android app, CyberGhost is a top choice for both beginner and advanced VPN users. Your connections to Google Play Japan are protected by many security and privacy features, including the following:
- Military-grade encryption — ensures your purchase data is protected with the highest level of security, keeping your financial information safe from prying eyes.
- Data leak protection — safeguards sensitive data (like payment details or your true location) from accidental exposure.
- WiFi protection — automatically secures your connection when using Google Play Japan on public WiFi networks, protecting against potential threats in vulnerable environments.
- Zero-log privacy policy — CyberGhost commits to not keeping any logs of your online activities, ensuring that your privacy is maintained at all times.
However, it’s important to note that CyberGhost is slower than ExpressVPN, especially over long-distance connections. I experienced a drop in speed of 30% — while this didn’t impact my connection, it could affect yours if your network is slow and you’re far from Japan. I recommend using the WireGuard protocol to get faster speeds and top security.
With a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost with Google Play Japan risk-free. Plus, its plans start at just per month, making it an affordable option. Once I finished testing the app, I contacted customer support to cancel. It took less than 5 minutes over the 24/7 live chat and I had my refund in less than a week.
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.
CyberGhost works with: Netflix Japan, Disney+ Japan, Amazon Prime Video Japan, Hulu, Vudu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
3. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network for Uninterrupted Connections to Google Play Japan
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, including 1 location in Japan
- Huge network provides lag-free connections to the Japanese Play Store
- Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Works on Android Lollipop (5.1+), Marshmallow (6.0), Nougat (7.0), Oreo (8.0), Pie (9.0), 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14
- 24/7 customer support over live chat and email
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Despite having a single server location in Japan, PIA’s huge network ensures there are hundreds of IP addresses for connecting to Google Play Japan. During tests, I didn’t struggle to access the app, even at peak traffic times like evenings and weekends. There was always enough bandwidth for an uninterrupted connection.
While there’s only 1 location, PIA has 2 connection options in Japan, and 1 is an optimized streaming server. I found the streaming server is faster than the standard server — my speeds dropped 35% with the optimized server compared to 69% with the standard server. I recommend using the optimized server for faster app downloads when visiting Google Play.
To keep your app downloads and purchase information secure, PIA has:
- Customizable encryption — choose between 128-bit for faster download speeds, or 256-bit for heightened security when buying apps.
- Automatic kill switch — cuts access to the internet if the VPN is interrupted, ensuring your data is always secure.
Unfortunately, PIA drained my battery life considerably while I was connected to a Japanese server. I noticed a drop of more than 10% while downloading an app, which was more than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. If you have an older device, this could cause a more significant drain on your battery life.
I think it’s worth trying PIA with Google Play Japan, especially as it’s one of the most affordable monthly VPNs — plans start at just /month. Plus, it’s risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested the refund procedure, the 24/7 live chat agent processed my request and I had my money back in under a week.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: Netflix Japan, Disney+ Japan, Amazon Prime Video Japan, Vudu, Sky Go, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
PIA is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Japan in 2024
| VPN | Speed | Server Network | Best Subscription Plan | Lowest Monthly Price | Money-Back Guarantee |
| ExpressVPN | Very Fast | 3,000+ servers — 4 locations in Japan | 2-year + 4 months free | 30 days | |
| CyberGhost | Fast | 11,670+ servers — 1 location in Japan | 2-year + 2 months | 45 days | |
| PIA | Fast | 35,000+ servers — 1 location in Japan | 2-year + 2 months | 30 days |
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.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Google Play Japan
I tested the leading VPNs on the market in 2024 and ranked them against the following criteria to find the top services for Google Play Japan:
- Fast servers in Japan — In order to guarantee swift and reliable connections, I checked each VPN for its server availability in Japan and carried out multiple speed tests.
- Strong security and privacy features — every recommended VPN has military-grade encryption, data leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict zero-logs policy. These measures safeguard your personal information and billing details, ensuring they remain secure and anonymous.
- Android compatibility — I looked for easy-to-use VPN apps for smartphones and tablets, plus smart TVs, Windows, Mac, and iOS, and you can set up a VPN connection on your smart TV, game console, or router.
- 24/7 customer support — I tested each VPN’s 24/7 customer service to ensure prompt responses to questions and queries — I expected a live chat response in less than 5 minutes.
- Money-back guarantee — each VPN has a money-back guarantee that lets you test the service risk-free, so you can make sure it’s right for your needs.
FAQs: VPNs and Google Play Japan
How do I create a Japanese Google Play account?
If you’re outside of Japan, you’ll need to use a VPN to create a Japanese Google Play account. Fortunately, the account setup process is very easy and only takes a few minutes before you’re ready to visit the Google Play store.
You’ll need to set your account region to Japan, and this is only possible if Google detects that your IP address is in Japan. By using a VPN, you mask your true IP address with one from a Japanese VPN server. Google Play detects this IP address and allows you to use a Japanese account to access the apps and content available in the store.
How can I download Japanese apps on my Android device?
To download apps from Google Play Japan, you’ll need to set up a Japanese Google Play account. If you’re outside of Japan, you’ll also need a high-quality VPN with servers in Japan to connect to the Google Play store. Once you connect to a VPN server and create a Japanese account, you should be able to visit Google Play Japan and download apps.
Make sure you clear your Google Play data and cache before launching the app, as this could contain conflicting location data that blocks you from accessing Google Play Japan.
Why does Google Play have country restrictions?
Google Play restricts some of its apps and content to particular countries due to distribution regulations. For example, you can only access Google Play Japan with a VPN if you’re not in the country, as apps like Otaquest and e-Amusement are only available in Japan. Google only permits access if your device IP address is Japanese.
While it’s legal to use a VPN to connect to Google Play in other countries, it goes against Google’s Terms of Service to use a VPN to navigate around geographical restrictions. My team and I don’t recommend going against Google Play’s Terms of Service, so please be aware of all rules and regulations before connecting to Google Play with a VPN.
Can I change my Google Play region without a credit card?
Unfortunately, no. To change your Google Play region, you need a valid payment method, such as a Japanese credit card. However, you can use a VPN to create a new Japanese Google Play account instead, as you don’t need to add a payment method when setting up a new account.
Although you’ll only be able to install and use free apps this way, it’s a great option if you don’t have access to a valid payment method. If you’d like to purchase paid Google Play apps on the Japanese storefront, you’ll need to add a regional payment method to your account or purchase a gift card with local currency (if available).
Can I access Google Play Japan with a free VPN?
Probably not. The majority of free VPNs don’t have servers in Japan, so you won’t be able to connect. If you find a free VPN with Japanese servers, it’s unlikely to have the high-quality security and privacy features you only get with a premium VPN — you can’t guarantee that your payment data and download activity will be safe.
Even the top free VPNs in 2024 aren’t suitable as they lack Japanese servers, have data caps, and restrict your speed. I suggest you try a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, as you’ll get fast speeds for downloading and secure connections to the Japanese Play Store. If you’re not fully satisfied, it’s simple to get a full refund.
Access Google Play Japan Worldwide With a High-Quality VPN
With so many exclusive apps, you don’t want to face blocks when trying to access the Japanese Play Store. Fortunately, a VPN can give you a Japanese IP address so you can connect to Google Play Japan.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for Google Play Japan, with high-speed servers and an easy-to-use Android app. It’s also a safe VPN with a strict zero-log policy and military-grade encryption to protect your data and billing information.
ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied you can get a full refund. I tested the process myself and it only took a couple of minutes for my refund to be approved over 24/7 live chat. I had my money back in just 5 days.
Summary — Best VPNs for Google Play 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.
Leave a Comment
Cancel