If you’re in Tokyo, you may find that some online content is inaccessible. You may even suffer from slow speeds due to ISP throttling. You can solve both of these problems while also enjoying improved online security with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, you don’t want just any VPN. You’ll need one that offers plenty of servers (including servers in Tokyo, Japan), unlimited bandwidth, and a wide range of security features.

So what are VPNs? Simply, they’re services that route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This travels from your device to the VPN server (in a location of your choosing). By connecting to a VPN server, you secure your data against hackers and eavesdroppers – including government snoops. You also receive a different IP address; to spoof your location and unblock geo-restricted services from anywhere.

This post covers the best VPNs for Tokyo, providing reviews of each so you can more easily reach a decision. Don’t have time to read them all? Here’s a quick summary of each.

Best VPNs for Tokyo:

  • NordVPN:The best VPN for Tokyo. Over 5,500 servers worldwide. Fast speeds and reliable unblocking. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN for Tokyo. Growing network of servers including some in Tokyo, Japan. Unlimited devices per account. 24/7 support. Strong security with Double VPN servers.
  • ExpressVPN: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Fastest VPN we’ve tested. Stream Japanese TV, Netflix, and more. 24/7 support and user-friendly apps. Secure with encryption.
  • CyberGhost: Roughly 7,400 servers, 50 of which are in Tokyo. High-speed servers for lag-free streaming. Up to 7 simultaneous connections. Includes a strict no-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Secure as many devices as you want at once. 20 servers in Tokyo, Japan. Offers unlimited bandwidth while security includes a no-logs policy and encryption.
  • PrivateVPN: Fast server speeds and strong unblocking (stream Netflix and Japanese TV). Easy-to-use apps. Protects your privacy with its strict no-logs policy.
  • Hotspot Shield: Over 3,000 servers in 80 countries including in Tokyo, Japan. Provides 24/7 live chat and email support. Secures traffic with high-end encryption.

There are tons of VPNs on the market, many of which claim to be the best. We’ve spent countless hours testing them and have come up with a list of the best VPNs for Tokyo. To be included in this guide, each VPN had to meet the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Servers in countries worldwide including Tokyo, Japan
  • Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming and torrenting
  • High level of security including encryption and a strict no-logs policy
  • Provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
  • Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile platforms
  • Risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days

Later in this guide, we will provide more information about how we test and recommend VPNs. For now, here are summaries that will help you pick between each of the top VPNs for Tokyo:

Best VPNs for Tokyo

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Tokyo:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is one of the biggest providers around, with a network of nearly 5,500 servers. These are located across approximately 60 countries, including Japan. With its very fast servers in Tokyo and unlimited bandwidth, this VPN is a great choice not only for browsing but streaming and torrenting as well. Indeed, it works with many international streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

This VPN provides excellent customer support which is available 24/7 via live chat and email. Its apps are easy for beginners to use while more advanced users will likely appreciate the specialty servers such as P2P, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN. You’ll be able to browse securely with NordVPN because it uses 256-bit AES encryption and operates a strict no-logs policy. DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch are also included.

Secure up to six devices at the same time with NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. You also have the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. However, use with compatible routers does require manual installation.

BEST VPN FOR TOKYO:NordVPN is our top pick. Fast servers with unlimited bandwidth in Tokyo, Japan and countries worldwide. Securely accesses Netflix, Nippon TV, and more. Includes 24/7 support, specialty servers, and strong security with its strict no-logs policy. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try NordVPN risk-free.

Pros:

  • Offers 5,500 servers worldwide (including servers in Tokyo)
  • Fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming
  • Very strong unblocking — works with Netflix and Japanese TV
  • Connect to P2P, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN servers
  • Provides customer support 24/7 via live chat and email
  • Secure thanks to a strict no-logs policy and high-end encryption

Cons:

  • Desktop apps take a little getting used to

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a user-friendly VPN with a growing network of servers (currently around 3,200 in 65 countries). Naturally, this includes some in Tokyo, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting a Tokyo IP address. It also happens to be one of the faster VPNs we’ve used, averaging 71 Mbps in our tests. You can also expect unthrottled bandwidth as well as very consistent unblocking of geo-restricted content. Surfshark is also one of the few providers that allow an unlimited number of simultaneous connections per account.

When using the Surfshark apps, you’ll find a number of interesting features including MultiHop servers. These are Double VPN servers that connect via multiple countries for an extra layer of encryption. On top of this, there’s a whole host of security features designed with your privacy in mind. These include a strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. If you have any questions, 24/7 support is available.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers a growing network of servers as well as good speeds for streaming Japanese and international TV. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Growing network of servers includes servers in Tokyo, Japan

  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections via a single account

  • High-speed connections for high-quality streaming and torrenting

  • Double VPN servers encrypt your data twice for extra security

  • Includes live chat and email support, 24/7

  • Switching servers is occasionally slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has servers in as many as 160 locations. More specifically, there are over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Of course, this includes servers in Tokyo (as well as the city of Yokohama) for getting a Tokyo IP address. One of the main advantages of choosing ExpressVPN is that you’ll experience very fast speeds compared to most VPNs. When combined with unlimited bandwidth and reliable unblocking, it’s highly suitable for streaming.

It’s also worth knowing that this VPN is particularly easy to use thanks to the well-designed apps and its live chat and email support (both available 24/7). With an ExpressVPN subscription, you’ll have the option to connect up to five devices at once. We can also recommend ExpressVPN for its security. That’s because it uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protects you from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Just as important, it doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified.

Get an IP address for Tokyo by using ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Note that Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is custom firmware for routers.

FASTEST VPN:ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries including in Tokyo, Japan. Very fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Works to stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Excellent apps, 24/7 support and strong security with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • 3,000 servers in 94 countries for unblocking content worldwide

  • Fastest VPN we’ve tested and includes unlimited bandwidth

  • Secure access to Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer, and more

  • User-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • More expensive than most of its rivals

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is constantly adding to its growing network which now stands at nearly 6,400 servers across 90 countries. This includes over 50 servers in Tokyo, Japan. With so many servers available, you’ll be able to access plenty of region-locked content, at home and abroad. This includes the likes of Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and even Japanese TV such as NHK and TV Asahi. Better still, servers are fast and consistent plus there are no bandwidth limits.

This VPN lets you secure up to seven devices simultaneously. It also includes 24/7 support which you can contact via live chat or email. Security-wise, CyberGhost does a great job of keeping your data secure with 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Also included are DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and independently operated “NoSpy” servers. There’s even the option to get a Dedicated IP address, although this feature costs a little extra.

50 SERVERS IN TOKYO:CyberGhost has approximately 6,400 servers in 90 countries including 50 in Tokyo, Japan. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth for streaming lag and buffer-free. Secure up to seven devices at once. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 50 servers in Tokyo and some 6,400 in 90 countries

  • High-speed servers and absolutely no bandwidth throttling

  • Stream NHK, TV Asahi, and more while traveling abroad

  • Contact customer support 24 hours a day via live chat and email

  • Protects your online privacy with its strict no-logs policy

  • May not offer enough control for advanced users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time which makes it an especially good option for sharing with family. Overall, you’ll find approximately 1,600 servers in dozens of countries. This includes 20 servers in Tokyo, Japan and nearly 1,000 servers across North America that are ideal for streaming Netflix. Unlike with some ISPs and free VPNs, IPVanish doesn’t cap your bandwidth or speeds, so you can browse and stream unrestricted.

With its no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption, IPVanish ensures that nobody has access to personal data such as your browsing history. There’s also protection from DNS leaks as well as a kill switch. The IPVanish apps are very simple to use and provide options to connect to the best (fastest) available server. If you run into any issues, you can always get in touch with support staff using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want at the same time. Offers good speeds and unthrottled bandwidth. Some 20 servers in Tokyo, Japan, for watching TV Asahi and TV Tokyo abroad. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Offers 20 servers in Tokyo, Japan and in dozens of countries globally

  • Secure as many devices as you like at the same time

  • User-friendly apps automatically connect you to the fastest server

  • Stay safe online thanks to its use of high-end encryption

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • Email support is very slow to reply

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

First time using a VPN? PrivateVPN’s user-friendly apps allow you to connect to a server anywhere in the world in seconds. You don’t need to worry about hackers or snoopers because your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. You can also expect protection from DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Users can sign up almost completely anonymously by using a burner email account and paying in Bitcoin.

Connect six devices at once with PrivateVPN’s apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Manual installation is necessary to use this VPN with compatible wireless routers.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast server speeds and strong unblocking. Works with Tokyo TV and international streaming services such as Netflix. Easy to use and is highly secure with a strict no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Only offers 150 servers in total
  • Live chat support isn’t available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Once signed up, you’ll have access to Hotspot Shield’s 24/7 support which is available via live chat and email. You’ll also be able to use the apps to secure up to five of your desktop and mobile devices. Once connected to a server, all data is protected with 256-bit AES encryption. Also included is a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep identifying logs of users and even has a feature that automatically connects to the VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Hotspot Shield apps are offered for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) as well as mobile (Android and iOS). Alternatively, a Chrome browser extension is available. The VPN can be manually configured to work with select routers.

SERVERS IN 80 COUNTRIES:Hotspot Shield unblocks geo-restricted content in Japan and abroad. Servers in 80 countries and no bandwidth throttling. Includes 24/7 live chat and email support. Doesn’t keep identifying logs of users. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Network of servers covers 80 countries, Japan included

  • Access content in Tokyo, Japan as well as BBC iPlayer and Hulu

  • Live chat and email support 24/7

  • Secures your internet traffic with the highest level of encryption

  • Questionable privacy policy

  • No anonymous payment options such as Bitcoin

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Tokyo VPN – Testing Methodology

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market and they are not all the same. Some have slow servers, others poor encryption, or outdated apps. To ensure we recommend VPNs for Tokyo that are reliable, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology.

Below, we have included some of the features we looked for when picking our VPN recommendations:

  • Reliable VPN apps. We test VPNs to ensure that they do not suffer from any IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. These leaks would betray your privacy and allow your ISP to detect what websites you are visiting (and the websites you visit to detect your real location).
  • Secure encryption. We look under the hood to make sure that the encryption has been implemented securely in the VPN protocol. We look for robust settings in both the data and control channels – and we check for perfect forward secrecy.
  • Advanced security features. If you want to torrent or do other sensitive online tasks, it is vital that your VPN never leaks your traffic outside of the encrypted tunnel. We recommend services with a kill-switch, obfuscation, and other useful features such as a SOCKS5 proxy or a Smart DNS service. These make the VPN more useful and versatile.
  • A no logs policy. A trustworthy VPN never monitors or tracks what you do online and it ensures that there are no records maintained at any of its server locations. This guarantees that nobody is looking at what you do online and that the VPN cannot be approached with a warrant to betray its users’ privacy.
  • Apps for all platforms. As a consumer, you have a right to want to use your VPN on all of your devices. We only recommend VPNs that have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and as many other devices as possible. Ths includes setup guides for using the VPN with routers, smart TVs, firesticks, consoles, etc.
  • Fast speeds. Many VPNs are too slow to watch HD videos or play multiplayer games. We test VPNs to ensure that have fast servers that will allow you to enjoy your added freedom without any lag or buffering.

How to use a VPN in Tokyo

Not sure where to start? The best VPNs for Tokyo are all very easy to use with beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below and you’ll be all set.

Here’s how you can use a VPN for Tokyo:

  • Sign up with one of the VPNs listed in this post. As you can see, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Following signup, you’ll be able to download and then install the appropriate VPN app for your browsing device.
  • Open the VPN app before connecting to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in Tokyo to get a Japanese IP address or a VPN server in the US to access American Netflix.
  • You’re now connected which means you can access websites and services that would otherwise be geo-blocked in your location.
  • If you can’t unblock a particular website, try clearing your browser’s cookies or connecting to another server. Otherwise, it’s worth contacting your VPN’s support.

If you’re in Tokyo, you may even experience faster browsing speeds when connecting to a server in Tokyo, as opposed to another location. Additionally, VPNs in this post all offer unlimited bandwidth and can help you get around ISP bandwidth throttling. They also encrypt your data and don’t keep any identifying logs. This means you can browse anonymously in Tokyo without having to worry about snoopers seeing what you’re doing online.

You’ll also notice that free VPNs are particularly slow. This is in part due to the sheer number of users on each server. As a result, you’re likely to experience a lot of lag and buffering while streaming. Note that some free VPNs also throttle your bandwidth. If you value your online privacy and anonymity, you should avoid free VPNs. That’s because they typically lack the security features of the best VPNs for Japan and may even log your browsing data and sell it to the highest bidder.