Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
72% off, starting at $3.39 for 24 months
6
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19/month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Norton
$2.50/ month
5 – 10
Yes
4
Proton VPN
64% off, starting at $3.59/ month
10
Yes (Add-on)
The Best VPN for Japan
Forbes Advisor Ratings
How To Choose the Best VPN for Japan
When considering a VPN for Japan, whether you’re a resident or traveler, there are a few key factors and features to consider. These can ensure that you achieve the perfect balance between performance, security and usability.
Essential Features
- Local server availability: Having servers in Japan is important for residents to access local content without latency issues, especially when they are outside of the country.
- Strong data encryption: To ensure your online activities remain private, opt for a VPN that offers industry-standard encryption techniques, such as AES-256.
- Zero-log policy: Especially important in countries with strict data privacy concerns, choose a VPN that doesn’t keep records of your online activities.
- Platform compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports various devices such as smartphones, laptops and even routers, given Japan’s multifaceted digital ecosystem.
- Language support: VPN interfaces in Japanese help users in the region to navigate settings and features without language barriers.
Types of VPN Protocols
Different VPN protocols offer varying balances between speed, security and compatibility:
- OpenVPN: A versatile and well-regarded protocol known for its balance between speed and security. It’s open-source, which means it’s constantly reviewed and updated by the community. This makes it adaptable, allowing users to avoid potential geoblocks and censorship efforts in Japan.
- WireGuard: A newer entry to the VPN protocol scene, WireGuard is lauded for its streamlined codebase and exceptional speed. Its lightweight nature makes it particularly suited for mobile devices, a bonus for the tech-savvy Japanese populace always on the move.
- IKEv2: Especially useful for those using mobile devices, IKEv2 is adept at reestablishing a connection if there’s an interruption, such as when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data. For Japan’s urban landscape, where one might frequently move between networks, this ensures consistent protection.
Ease of Use
Usability hinges on several key elements:
- Simplified setup: A clear installation process with step-by-step guidance helps users, especially those less tech-savvy, to get started.
- Intuitive interface: Features, such as a search bar to quickly find servers, clearly labeled settings and visual cues (icons or color codes) can enhance user experience significantly.
- Quick connect feature: A one-click solution to connect automatically to the most optimal server saves time and hassle.
Multilanguage support: For users in Japan, having a Japanese language interface option ensures smoother navigation.
Security
Enhanced security offerings can make a VPN stand apart:
- Double VPN: This routes user traffic through two servers instead of one, encrypting data twice. It’s an added layer of protection, ensuring that even if one encryption is compromised, the data remains secure.
- Ad blockers and malicious website detectors: Integrated tools that prevent unwanted ads and block access to potentially harmful websites enhance user experience (UX) and protect devices.
- Automatic kill switch: In the event of a VPN connection drop, this feature disconnects the device from the internet instantly, ensuring no data is transmitted unencrypted, crucial for users in Japan concerned about data privacy.
- Private DNS: While many VPNs use third-party DNS, having a private DNS on each server means better privacy and sometimes improved speed.
- Onion over VPN: For those requiring an extra layer of anonymity, some VPNs offer integration with The Onion Router (TOR) network, obfuscating user data further and ensuring complete online anonymity.
Customer Support
A reliable customer support system is invaluable. Support teams that operate 24/7, offering assistance in Japanese, can be beneficial. Other resources, such as detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs), live chat options and responsive email channels, ensure a hassle-free VPN experience in Japan.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
72% off, starting at $3.39 for 24 months
6
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19/month
Unlimited
Yes
4
Proton VPN
64% off, starting at $3.59/ month
10
Yes (Add-on)
Methodology
To ensure a thorough and unbiased assessment of VPNs suitable for users, we adopted a meticulous methodology that digs into multiple aspects of each VPN provider. We allocated scores to each category and, within those categories, to specific criteria. These scores culminated in a product’s overall rating, with the highest possible score being five stars. By employing this approach, we could evaluate and rank VPNs systematically with a focus on the attributes most pertinent to potential users:
- Mobile app (3%): VPNs were assessed on the merit of their mobile application’s functionality and user reception. The scores from both the App Store and Play Store played a pivotal role, reflecting the app’s stability, user satisfaction and overall performance on mobile platforms. This metric constituted 3% of the overall score.
- Customer reviews (10%): User-generated feedback from platforms, such as Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra, offered insights into real-world user satisfaction and experience. VPNs were given scores that corresponded with the consistency of positive reviews and emphasis was placed on reliability, user-friendliness and general efficacy. This made up 10% of the total evaluation.
Service and support (7%): A VPN’s dedication to its users is mirrored in its support system. We dug into the scope and quality of service options, from live chat availability to comprehensive knowledge bases. Prompt and effective customer support, especially round-the-clock, was regarded highly. This category influenced 7% of the VPN’s final score. - Pricing (15%): Affordability remains a paramount concern for users. We considered the pricing structures of each VPN, with attention to discounts, subscription plans and overall transparency. Aspects, such as free trials and the proportionality between features offered and the price, were key considerations, making up 15% of the product’s overall standing.
- General features (25%): The core functionalities and offerings of a VPN underpin its utility. Criteria such as anonymous browsing capabilities, DNS leak protection, dedicated IP availability and the presence of a kill switch were assessed. The reliability and user-centric design of these features were core to our evaluation, constituting 25% of the score.
- Additional features (10%): Beyond the basics, a VPN’s supplementary features enhance its adaptability and breadth. Features, such as global server distribution, stringent no-log policies, browser extension availability and support for simultaneous connections, were appraised and this category determined 10% of the product’s score.
- Speeds (20%): Performance matters. We evaluated VPNs based on their potential to maintain high download and upload speeds, crucial for seamless browsing, streaming and data transfer experiences. This performance metric was pivotal, contributing to 20% of the product’s overall rank.
- Expert score (10%): Our internal expert analysis looked into the intricacies of each VPN, considering unique offerings, unmatched value propositions and overall user-centric design. Recognizing VPNs that are not only technologically superior but also user-intuitive, this category contributed to the final 10% of the score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is a VPN necessary in Japan?
While Japan respects internet freedom, using a VPN boosts online security, protects against cyber threats and ensures privacy from potential eavesdroppers. For those streaming or accessing content from other countries, a VPN can also bypass georestrictions.
How does local server presence in Japan benefit VPN users?
Having local servers in Japan accelerates connection speeds for users within the country. Additionally, for Japanese expatriates or travelers, it allows them to access local content such as television shows, news or banking services from anywhere in the world.
Are there legal considerations for using a VPN in Japan?
Using a VPN is legal in Japan, provided it’s for legitimate online activities. It’s essential, however, to avoid engaging in illicit actions while connected as Japanese law enforcement agencies uphold strict digital and cybercrime laws.
Can a VPN improve my internet connection speed?
Not typically. While a VPN can bypass ISP throttling and potentially offer smoother streaming or gaming experiences, it usually adds a layer of encryption that can decrease raw speed slightly. However, the trade-off is enhanced security and privacy, which many find invaluable.
Is using a VPN legal in all countries?
No, the legality of VPN usage varies by country. While many nations permit VPNs, some, such as China, Russia and Iran, have restrictions or bans in place. It’s essential to familiarize oneself with local regulations before employing a VPN in a specific region. Always prioritize safety and legality over online convenience.
