4 Best VPNs for Japan (who I always use for travel in Asia)

I spend a lot of time in Tokyo. And as a traveling creator and digital nomad, online security, privacy and flexibility are super important. That’s why I always use a private network while trekking about — public wifi can be risky.

So these are my top picks for the best VPNs for Japan and Asia. Currently, I’m using the free version of ProtonVPN (usually on my phone).

But let’s dig into my other favorite options.

Let’s do this!

Table of Contents Show

What is a VPN?

VPNs are virtual private networks, which are encrypted connections (from your device to a network) on the internet.

They provide you with enhanced privacy and security by protecting your sensitive data and actions while online.

This is especially useful for travel, since you’ll likely be hopping between various public connections such as hotels, cafes, city Wifi spots and airports.

You never know who’s lurking on a public Wifi connection, so it’s a smart move to protect yourself.

Let’s dig deeper into the benefits.

Why use a VPN for Travel in Japan?

• Better internet security while traveling

• It’s more private

• Connect to your home country

• Access streaming content (Netflix, etc.)

• Get around censorship of news or platforms while abroad

• Peace of mind

How to Choose A Good Japan VPN

• Look for VPNs with many servers

• Pay attention to features like a no-log policy

• Go with brands who are fully transparent

• Consider your goals and needs (streaming, multiple devices, etc.)

• Choose a brand with a solid reputation and good reviews

• Pick a VPN that suits your travel budget

4 Best VPNs for Japan + Asia

1. NordVPN

Image source: nordvpn.com

NordVPN is built for high-volume and comes with solid threat protection, great coverage and a brand reputation.

NordVPN is one of the top names in the VPN space. They’re reliable, affordable and give you a great VPN service for travel in Japan.

They have an extensive network of servers, are built for speed, have excellent customer service and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cybernews ranks them as being one of the best VPNs for 2024.

Pros

• Over 6,300 servers in 111 countries

• Meshnet feature to set up personal LAN

• No logs policy

• Malware and ad blocking features

• Works great for streaming

• Stable and fast

• 24/7 customer support

• Dedicated IP

Cons

• Complaints and lawsuit about annual price renewal confusion

• More expensive (unless getting an annual plan)

Reviews

• 4.2/5 stars, based on 34K+ reviews (Trustpilot)

• 8.6/10 CNET score

• 9.7/10 security.org score

Pricing

• Basic — $12.99/month

• $4.99/month under annual plan

• Plus — $13.99/month

• $5.99/month under annual plan

• Ultimate — $15.99/month

• $7.99/month under annual plan

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2. Surfshark

Image source: surfshark.com

Surfshark stands out for offering unlimited device connections. But they also have a solid reputation and other noteworthy features.

Surfshark is a solid VPN for Japan. One of the standout features is its unlimited device connections. This is perfect if you’re traveling with family or a large group and require multiple device connections (over 8 or 10, as with NordVPN or ExpressVPN).

They also have a solid reputation, rank as a top editor’s choice in CNET’s best VPNs of 2024 and come with features like a large server network, no-logs policy and a dedicated IP.

Pros

• Over 3,000 servers in 100 countries

• No logs policy

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• Continuously improving and innovating

• Super affordable (if you get an annual or two-year plan)

Cons

• A bit pricey (unless getting the long-term subscription)

• Some users report lag or poor connection issues

Reviews

• 4.3/5 stars, based on 23K+ reviews (Trustpilot)

• 8.7/10 CNET score

• 9.5/10 security.org score

Pricing

• Surfshark Starter — $15.45/month

• $2.99/month under annual plan

• Surfshark One — $17.95/month

• $3.39/month under annual plan

• Surfshark One+ — $20.65/month

• $6.09/month under annual plan

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3. ExpressVPN

Image source: expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers exciting innovations and comes with great privacy protection and trustworthy transparency.

ExpressVPN is another big name in the VPN world. Technically, they’re also the cheapest on this list (except for ProtonVPN, which is free).

ExpressVPN is a reputable brand loaded with innovative features and a high trust score. It’s also great for streaming, privacy protection and transparency. ExpressVPN is ranked number one in CNET’s best VPNs of 2024. As a leading name in the VPN space (far beyond Japan), you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Pros

• VPN router options — Aircove + Aircove Go

• Password manager

• No logs policy

• Servers in 105 countries

• 24/7 live chat support

• Simple pricing plans

• ShuffleIP — IP is changed every new website you visit

• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Limited pricing plan options

Reviews

• 4.3/5 stars, based on 24K+ reviews (Trustpilot)

• 8.8/10 CNET score

• 9.1/10 security.org score

Pricing

• 1 month — $12.95

• 6 months — $9.99/month

• 12 months — $8.33/month

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4. ProtonVPN

Image source: protonvpn.com

ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Japan on this list. While the free plan is limited, they’re a great choice for simple protection.

I use ProtonVPN on my phone, because it’s free and comes highly rated.

In fact, it’s the only free VPN recommended by CNET. And I can attest — I’ve been using them for basic protection for over three years without any problems.

On the free plan however, you can’t choose your server. Your phone will automatically connect to the one that’s nearest or available. Also, you can only use one device under the free plan.

But if you’re just planning a trip to Japan, then this may be the perfect option.

*Pros

• 65000+ servers in 100+ countries

• Protect 10 devices at a time

• Custom DNS

• Ad-blocker and malware protection

• Split-tunneling

• No logs policy

• Speed works great in my experience

• Free plan option

*features limited under free plan

Cons

• Limited options and few servers under free plan

• Lower Trustpilot rating

Reviews

• 2.2/5 stars, based on 400+ reviews (Trustpilot)

• 8.4/10 CNET score

• 8.8/10 security.org score

Pricing

• Proton free — $0

• 1 month — $9.99

• 1-year plan — $4.99/month

• 2-year plan — $4.49/month

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Later ✌️

VPNs are an essential tool for traveling abroad. They give you more privacy and security and can let you stream your favorite shows from back home.

My top choice goes to NordVPN for its reputation, extensive network, extra features and affordability. But I also use ProtonVPN as a free option, which works great too.

VPNs give you extra peace of mind. And the brands listed in this post are all high-quality and safe. Now go enjoy Japan!

FAQS

• Are VPNs legal in Japan?

  Yep! Many residents and travelers use VPNs in Japan, it's perfectly legal -- as long as you're using it for legal activities.

• What’s the best VPN for Netflix in Japan?

  According to each of the VPNs listed in this post, they all work well for Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.

• How do I get a Japanese VPN connection?

  First, double check your VPN  has server locations in Japan. Then choose Japan as your server when connecting. The VPN companies listed in this article all have servers located in Japan. But remember, if you go with ProtonVPN’s free account, you can’t choose your server location.

• Do the VPNs in this post work for Android?

  Absolutely! The VPNs listed in this post are compatible with both a Mac OS and Android or Windows.

• How do I use a VPN?

  Simply download the app and log into your account. Then, select a server to use and connect to it by enabling your VPN. Each VPN may look slightly different, but this is the general process.

  You can learn more about how to use a VPN here.

• Do I need a VPN while traveling in Japan?

  Japan is known for its safety. But protecting yourself online is still a smart move.

  Traveling leaves you more vulnerable to cyber attacks or accidentally using risky networks. So it's always best to add an extra layer of privacy -- even in somewhere as safe as Japan.

• Are there any free VPNs that work in Japan?

  Yes! I use ProtonVPN all the time while traveling in Japan and Asia. I primarily use their mobile app, but just take note that the features will be limited under their free plan. Still, it's enough for some basic (but powerful) protection.

Want More? Nice. Here’s More.