How to Get a Japanese IP Address

Want to gain access to Japanese TV and movies, manage your financial accounts, or play mobile games and enjoy other Japan-only content? Well, you’ll need to get a Japanese IP address with the help of a capable VPN. That way, you can trick online services into believing you’re physically located in the country.

Moreover, a VPN will protect your sensitive information and identity online. Not only will it encrypt your data and make it look like gibberish to any onlookers (such as ISPs or hackers), but you can browse, game, and perform sensitive transactions with an IP from Japan—and no one will know it’s you.

In the following guide, we’ll explain how to change your IP address to one from Japan. We’ve also ranked 3 top VPNs with Japanese servers to save you the trouble of researching options. Finally, we list all the ways you can take advantage of your Japan IP, plus answer some FAQs.

How to Get a Japanese IP Address with a VPN

You can obtain a Japanese IP address in minutes by subscribing to a trusty VPN service with servers in Japan and connecting to one of them. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN that works in Japan (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download their app and install it on your preferred devices.
3. Open the VPN app, then log in with your account info.
4. Choose and connect to a Japanese server from the in-app list.
5. Now you can browse the Web with a Japanese IP address!

Best VPN to Get a Japan IP Address

The best Japan VPN services should offer plenty of fast servers in Japan and a strict no-logs policy, as well as top-of-the-line security without sacrificing the usability of their apps. Next up, they should be able to unblock a variety of Japanese content like Netflix and Hulu Japan, U-Next, TV Tokyo, and more. Finally, we enjoy VPNs that go beyond the basics with features like ad- and tracker-blocking, malware and phishing site filters, and so on.

Based on these criteria, these are the 3 best VPNs to get a Japan IP address:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Ranked VPN for a Japanese IP Address
2. NordVPN – Best Japan IP VPN with Enhanced Security Options
3. Surfshark – VPN for Japan IP Addresses with No Device Limits

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Ranked VPN for a Japanese IP Address

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to get a Japanese IP address, with top-speed hardware in Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as a network of 3,000+ ultra-fast servers in 94 countries. With easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android, and others, ExpressVPN offers the perfect gateway to Japan, no matter the platform.

In just a few clicks, you can stream HD and 4K content on Netflix and Hulu Japan, plus access exclusive streaming services like U-Next, TV Tokyo, TVer, and more. While connected to ExpressVPN’s Tokyo servers, we could easily stream and browse without any slowdowns.

This is all thanks to their cutting-edge Lightway protocol, which offers max security without sacrificing speed. You’re also free to use classic protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2 (best for mobile use).

Naturally, ExpressVPN has an audited no-logs policy. What’s more, they’ve included the powerful new Threat Manager feature, which blocks intrusive trackers to protect your privacy.

The only real downsides are their modest 5-device limit and lack of customization for more advanced users. If you have a lot of VPN-capable gadgets but not the budget for more than one subscription, we suggest Surfshark. Meanwhile, NordVPN offers an upgraded threat blocker, but at the cost of location options.

Otherwise, ExpressVPN gets you a near-flawless VPN experience, 24/7 live chat, and a robust 30-day money-back plan to top it all off.

2. NordVPN – Best Japan IP VPN with Enhanced Security Options

NordVPN users can get a Japan IP address by using the provider’s 130+ top-tier servers in Tokyo and Osaka. Their network numbers 5,500+ units in total, spread across 60 countries, which is much less location variation than ExpressVPN or Surfshark, but still nothing to sneeze at.

You can use NordVPN’s intuitive apps for all major operating systems on up to 6 devices at the same time.

Try their WireGuard-inspired NordLynx protocol for top-notch security and breakneck speeds while unblocking services like Netflix Japan, Hulu, U-Next, and more. OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec are also available as alternatives. 

NordVPN really shines in the security department. Aside from their independently audited no-logs policy, you get the advanced Threat Protection feature. This blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains and even scans downloaded files for viruses (Windows and Mac only).

Aside from their all-in-one security system, NordVPN has a variety of specialty servers available for different occasions, including Double VPN, Onion-over-VPN, and obfuscated servers. These are excellent for boosting your privacy, accessing the Tor network from Japan, and hiding your VPN activity, respectively.

As expected, NordVPN offers expert round-the-clock live chat to help with any issues. There’s also a generous 30-day money-back guarantee in place for all their plans.

3. Surfshark – VPN for Japan IP Addresses with No Device Limits

Surfshark is the best way to get a Japan IP for users in large households with lots of gadgets. There are no device limits, so feel free to share the protection with friends and family. Connect to their 56 high-speed servers in Tokyo, or use their vast network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

Their apps are fairly easy to use and work on all popular platforms, both desktop, and mobile. Surfshark’s speeds are pretty fast, although they don’t quite match NordVPN or ExpressVPN just yet. Connection times can be a bit long on some servers, but nothing too drastic.

Otherwise, we’ve been able to access high-quality Japanese content on Netflix, Hulu, U-Next, and others without any pesky “incorrect region” warnings. Speaking of regions, Surfshark comes with a GPS spoofing feature for Android. This gives you an improved way to change your location in certain location-based apps, such as Pokemon Go. 

Moving on, we have the aptly named CleanWeb 2.0, which does exactly what you’d expect. Prepare to browse the web without intrusive ads, trackers, pop-ups, or phishing domains trying to steal your data.

As always, feel free to contact Surfshark’s live chat service at any time. They’ve always been fast to respond with useful info about their services. All plans are backed by the usual 30-day money-back guarantee.

What Is a Japanese IP Address?

A Japanese IP address is a unique number assigned to your device that lets websites know you’re browsing from Japan. That said, you don’t have to be physically located in the country to get a Japan IP.

Regardless of where you are in the world, all you need to do is use a VPN to connect to a Japanese server, and you’ll be able to browse exclusive local content at your leisure. For example, Netflix Japan has a lot of great anime you won’t find anywhere else, as well as TV shows and movies.

Why Do I Need a Japanese IP?

You’ll need a Japanese IP if you want to stream geo-blocked content, peruse local e-shops and restaurant menus from abroad (especially the EU), access banking and other financial services, or play Japan-exclusive games. Find more details below:

• Watch Geo-Restricted Japanese Content – Netflix Japan has quite the library of anime and movies that aren’t available overseas due to licensing issues. You can also stream content on platforms like U-Next, TV Tokyo, Hulu Japan, TVer, and others.
• Browse Local E-Shops for Digital Goods – While it’s easier to get the most popular anime, manga, and other merch on Western websites, lesser-known content is limited to sites that aren’t available without a Japanese IP (such as DMM).
• Access Banks or Financial Sites – If you’re an expat or a resident and have an account in Japan, then you may not be able to access your funds overseas without a VPN because financial institutions can block foreign IP addresses. 
• Play Japan-Exclusive Games – Many mobile games, such as Ryu ga Gotoku Online, are only available to Japanese audiences. Without a Japan IP, you won’t be able to access their servers.
• Avoid Throttling – Using a Japanese IP address can prevent ISPs and local services from throttling your traffic and slowing down your connection. This is a nice advantage if Japanese sites seem sluggish.

Can I Get a Japanese IP Address for Free?

Yes, you can get a Japanese IP address for free with a proxy or free VPN service. However, there are several reasons why we recommend against it. The biggest one is that free VPNs may sell your data to advertisers or even leak it online in extreme cases.

Even with free VPNs that have been deemed safe, you should expect poor performance and bandwidth throttling (unless you get their premium plan), monthly data caps (5 GB on average), and zero support for streaming geo-blocked content. Yep, if you were expecting to unblock Japanese Netflix with a free VPN, we have bad news for you.

Only need a Japan IP temporarily for browsing local websites? You can consult our free VPN guide for several safe providers with servers in Japan. 

Final Thoughts

Want to watch Japanese programming to brush up on your language skills? Need to access your financial accounts from overseas, shop Japanese online stores, or play Japan-only gacha games? Then you’ll need a Japan IP. Just use a VPN, connect to a Japanese server, and you’ll be all set.

We highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for a Japanese IP address. You get dozens of high-performance servers in Tokyo and Yokohama, a strict no-logs policy, and strong security. ExpressVPN will unblock any streaming sites you might want to access. Best of all, you can try it risk free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.