Rachel Lyles Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, where 92% of residents have Internet access. According to the Freedom on the Net 2018 report, Japenese users benefit from Internet freedom. However, the 25 out of 100 score (with 0 being the best possible result) shows that some limitations do exist.
There’s a strict ban on torrenting pirated content: copyright violation is considered a criminal offense that can be punished with a 2-year prison sentence. As for online privacy, the 2017 conspiracy law gives more room for governmental surveillance. The good news is you still have no reasons to worry if you have a VPN. With a VPN, Japan visitors and local residents can browse the Net without limitations, and without fear.
As a bonus, with a VPN you’ll be able to access geo-blocked platforms such as Netflix or Hulu. Read more information about Netflix VPNs and streaming VPNs. And this is the reason why the software is so popular with millions of tourists who visit Japan yearly.
- 2,000 servers in 148 locations
- Strict no-logging policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Great for torrenting and streaming
- 1,100 servers in 60 locations
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Works on Smart TVs and routers
- SOCKS5 web proxy for torrenting
- 5000 servers in 62 countries
- Torrenting-optimized and obfuscated servers
- 6 simultaneous connection
- Onion over VPN and Double Encryption
Best Japan VPN: What to Look For in 2020?
There are several criteria you should consider choosing a VPN in Japan:
Reliable Encryption and Extra Privacy Features
It is especially important for users that connect to public WiFi a lot because it is never safe even in Japan. VPN will protect your device from any possible threat, but the service should provide the highest security level possible. Therefore, look for providers with reliable encryption, a choice of protocols and extra privacy tools.
No-Logging Policy
Even though the Japanese government usually stays away from monitoring online activity, users still can get arrested if someone accuses them of copyright violation. So it is better to keep all the data private. Choose providers that don’t gather and keep information about users.
Large Servers Network
The more servers the provider has, the better. Since Japan is quite remote from the rest of the world, finding the VPN server that can offer both speed and security can be a real challenge. Therefore, you need to have a choice of options when it comes to picking a suitable server in the needed location.
High Speeds
VPNs must be fast! The connection speed depends a lot on the distance between your device and the server you chose. Japanese users will lose a lot of speed connecting to European and U.S. server for sure. That’s why VPN should be as fast as possible.
Top Japan VPN Service Providers?
Considering the number of VPN providers choosing the right one is a real challenge. All of them seem to be alike and differ at the same time. That’s why we’ve created quick reviews of VPNs that meet all the criteria we listed above so that you can understand what will be suitable for you.
Here is our top:
ExpressVPN
- Good speeds
- Very simple interface
- Many servers and locations
- Price is quite high
- Allows only three connections at the same time
Safety & Encryption
ExpressVPN uses 256-bit SSL encryption and offers a choice of protocols. Also, the app can scan your network and decide which protocol will be better for you. There are extra protection features as well: Kill Switch for interrupting the connection if VPN turns off suddenly, and DNS Leak Protection.
This provider doesn’t keep any logs so you can be sure your data stays safe.
Ease of use
ExpressVPN is installed within a few minutes and meets you with a friendly interface. Even though the app is really simple, it is customizable enough to meet more advanced needs. And if you have any issues, the support team is 24/7 available. You can use live chat or write them an email and get a swift answer.
Pricing Plans
- Monthly – $12.95/month;
- 6 months – $9.99 per month / $59.9 per full period;
- 15 months – $6.67 per month / $99.95 per full period.
There is a 30-days free trial, but no money back. You can use Bitcoin to pay for the service. 
IPVanish
Safety and Encryption
AES-256 encryption and a choice of protocols allow establishing a safe connection. IPVanish even supports SOCKS Web Proxy. Though this provider doesn’t have any additional security tools, it offers reliable protection. Add to it no-logs policy, and you’ll have a great solution.
Ease of Use
As well as all top VPNs, IPVanish offers a simple and intuitive interface (our guide: how to install IPVanish). Even a novice will understand how to use it. But if you have any issues, the support team is always there for you. Users can get help 24/7 via live chat or email.
Pricing Plans:
- 1 Month – $11.99/month;
- 3 Months – $6.75/month;
- 1 year – $4.87/month;
You’ll have 7-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish doesn’t accept Bitcoin, but you can use PayPal. 
NordVPN
Safety and Encryption
Here you will find a standard for all top VPNs situation – 256-AES encryption and a set of protocols. Also, it has an impressive number of additional features: Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection are, of course, present. Onion over VPN allows using NordVPN with TOR. SmartPlay feature will make sure you have a great experience using streaming services.
There is also a feature that helps to overcome harsh censorship – Obfuscated Servers. Double Data protection gives much more security. And, of course, NordVPN has the no-logs policy.
Ease of Use
The interface could be simpler. But 24/7 support balances out the complications. Most likely you won’t encounter difficulties, but if you do, you’ll get help.
Pricing Plans
- Monthly – $11.95/month;
- 6 months – $9.00/month;
- 1 year – $6.99/month;
- 2 years – $3.99/month;
- 3 years – $2.99/month.
You can pay with Bitcoin and AliPay if you want. A 3-day trial is great if you want to try the service. But if you request your money back, you’ll have to wait for a couple of weeks. 
CyberGhost
Safety and Encryption
This provider has AES-256 encryption, as well as others, with a choice of protocols. Zero logs policy, Kill Switch and DNS Leak-Block are present, too. Split tunneling feature helps to improve the speed. And for even more security you can combine CyberGhost with TOR network. There also is a unique feature – the app blocks ads online. Not all of them, but still, it is a nice addition.
Ease of use
Many features oftentimes mean complicated interface. But not in this situation – CyberGhost is very simple, and the interface is organized neatly. If you need some additional information, you can head to FAQ section of the provider’s website and find there answers and guides. If you still struggle, the support team will answer your request in just minutes.
Pricing plans
- Monthly – $12.99/month;
- 1 year – $5.25/month;
- 3 years – $2.75/month.
24 hours of test drive doesn’t seem enough (check another free trial VPNs), but 45-day money-back guarantee compensates it. However, with a monthly subscription, the money-back period is only 14 days. 
VyprVPN
Safety and Encryption
Here we see the same standard setup with 256-bit encryption and a set of protocols. Also, this provider has its own protocol called Chameleon. It hides the fact that you’re using a VPN service. Zero-knowledge DNS service ensures that your data won’t leak. And since recent times VyprVPN doesn’t gather any logs. Here you will find Kill Switch and DNS Leak-Block.
Ease of use
The software is easy to install and setup. It is even not that hard to install VyprVPN on other devices that PCs and smartphones. The interface is simple and organized well. And if you have any issues, you can contact the support team directly from the app. However, users often find responses of the support not helpful.
Pricing Plans
Basic account:
- Monthly – $9.95/month;
- Yearly – $5.00/month;
Premium account:
- Monthly – $12.95/month;
- Yearly – $6.67/month.
There is a 3-day trial. You can pay with a card, AliPay or PayPal.
Bottom Line
Choosing a VPN for Japan, you should first define the purpose. As you might see from reviews, providers have similar qualities, but there are some differences. Each VPN is more suitable for a specific way of utilization. Therefore, outline your requirements and expectations before choosing the provider.