Best VPNs for Netflix Japan: How to Watch it Abroad in 2021

Need to catch up on the latest Japanese movies on Netflix? With the best VPNs you can now get fast access to Netflix Japan from anywhere in the world in 2021!

Accessing Netflix, let alone the Japanese library can be a very daunting at times. There are geo-restrictions and other barriers that come with this services’ territory. However, to watch Netflix Japan content from abroad, you’ll be able to access it using the best VPNs for it.

Sounds good? Keep reading to find out more.

Netflix Japan

For those of you who are familiar with Netflix, should know that at some point the Japanese Netflix library used to go neck-to-neck with the US library. Netflix Japan was launched back in 2015, and slowly crept its way to the top of the ranking charts for housing the best anime content.

You’ll find tons of movies, documentaries, reality TV, and others like “The Seven Deadly Sins”, “Tokyo Ghoul”, or even children TV shows like “Crayon Shin-chan” and more, available.

However, it’s a fact that most content from the Japan library are only available within Japan and a few of its territories. For instance, there’s Japanese content like “Violet Evergarden” that is only aired on Netflix Japan. People across the globe won’t be able to access it.

It doesn’t matter if you reside in Japan with a Netflix account and travel to another country. You’re still going to be met with some issues.

Because Netflix, let alone the Japan library is subjected to license agreements, and you’re going to need a new IP address to access it. In this case, you’re going to need a Japanese IP address to access Netflix Japan. Only the best VPNs for Netflix Japan can give you that access.

Keeping all of this in mind, follow the quick tutorial below, showing you how to use the best VPNs for Netflix Japan, and to unblock the library from abroad.

How to unblock Netflix Japan from abroad in 2021

Now that I’ve listed the top 5 VPNs to watch Japanese Netflix, take a look at the tutorial below, showing you how you can unblock it from anywhere in the world:

If you encounter any difficulties while trying to unblock the Netflix Japan library, you can take a look at my quick fix tutorial further on this blog.

Best VPNs to watch Japan Netflix content

There are many streaming buffs around the world who eagerly await all the newest Japanese movies or the latest anime episodes from various Japanese channels. This is why most users usually connect to the best VPN for Japan to access local content from abroad. However, in the case of access Netflix Japan, the situation gets a little different.

Not every VPN provider is the same, neither do they offers similar features. For instance, certain VPNs for Japan can offer Japanese IP addresses, but might fail to work with a platform like Netflix.

So, to make things much easier on you, I ran some tests on numerous VPNs, and settled for just 5 that actually unblock Netflix Japan, have great speeds, sound security, and supports multiple devices. If you take a look below, you’ll get better acquainted with each provider and what makes them the best for Netflix Japan. Let’s start with my top recommendation:

1. Surfshark – Top choice for Netflix Japan

Surfshark makes a top VPN for a number of reasons, which also includes being the best to unblock Netflix Japan. The entire family can enjoy this VPN since it allows you to make unlimited device connections. This means you can enjoy Netflix Japan while travelling abroad, while another user accesses another platform on other devices.

Surfshark used to have a smaller network, but it recently updated it to 3200+ servers in 65 countries, which also includes numerous servers in Japan. The speeds were also pretty great when I tested the Japanese server, however, the results may vary according to your internet speeds.

Apart from Netflix Japan, Surfshark allows access to 16 other libraries. I also got access to BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, ESPN, DAZN, Hulu, and plenty others. This is why most users consider Surfshark as a versatile VPN app.

Secondly, if you’re travelling to a country like China that supports mass online surveillance and censorship, you can bypass the blocks using Surfshark’s NoBorders mode. With this feature along with Camouflage mode, you’ll be able to bypass the toughest geo-blocks.

Additionally, if you’re using a streaming device that doesn’t support native VPN apps, for example, Apple TV, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS option. You can add this over one IP address at a time, which in this case, is the Japanese server.

Other than that, Surfshark operates using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing, and other advanced features. This will help secure your device while streaming and protect your trail from online trackers or your internet service provider.

Need to test the VPN? Well, you’re in luck since Surfshark offers a free testing period and a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use on multiple apps.

Get SurfShark Now

2. NordVPN – 80+ servers for Netflix Japan + fast speeds

NordVPN usually lands on the top 5 list when I tested the app with multiple services. It’s also one of the reasons why it’s perfect for accessing Netflix Japan, and here’s why:

NordVPN offers a huge platform of servers, around 5500+ in 59 countries, out of which over 80+ servers are located in Japan. There’s no surety whether all the Japanese servers will unblock Netflix Japan, but from what results I rendered, I don’t doubt they will. Other than the Japanese Netflix library, I got access to Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Hulu, and other popular streaming services.

You can watch Netflix Japan on multiple supported devices since this provider allows up to 6 multi-device connections and supports numerous apps and operating systems. You can even test NordVPN risk-free on numerous devices using its free trial or 30-day refund period. It should give you an idea of the app.

The speeds were some of the fastest I’ve ever gotten, even on the Japanese server. This will work especially well if you’re located or travelling to an Asian country. NordVPN also offers unique obfuscated servers that are designed to secure your connection even more, adding double anonymity.

What’s more, you’ll have access to a great feature called SmartPlay. With this feature, you can access Netflix Japan within countries with high online censorship rates or surveillance laws. This will come in handy if the geo-blocks to where you’re travelling are severe.

Not that Netflix comes with any ads, but the NordVPN CyberSec feature that’s good for malicious ad-blocking will come in handy for those platforms that are loaded with them, like YouTube. This provider even includes other features like AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, leak protection.

All your data will be secure since NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has been successfully audited multiple times to ensure full user anonymity. The service even hails from a privacy-friendly region in Panama.

There are many more reasons why NordVPN makes a good VPN app, which is why it’s popular among users.

Get NordVPN Now

3. ExpressVPN – Fast, secure & unblocks Netflix Japan

Most users mark ExpressVPN as one of the most expensive VPN services in the industry. However, as much as that may be true, there’s a lot of advantages you can get that are well worth the price. For starters, after testing it, this service definitely lands a spot on the best VPNs for Netflix Japan.

The ExpressVPN network consists of 3000+ servers in 94 countries, which is also inclusive of Japanese servers. You can connect to any of these to access the Japanese Netflix library. Rumor has it that ExpressVPN renders fast speeds, and after testing the software countless of times, I can say that it’s true! The speeds, even on the JP server were fast enough for HD or UHD streams, provided the service also comes with unlimited bandwidth.

Even if you’d like to take a break from Netflix Japan, you can access multiple other platforms. Upon testing, I unblocked a couple more Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN, HBO, and others.

You can access Netflix Japan on your Android as well as a smart TV simultaneously, since the service allows up to 5 multi-device connections. This is required when traveling or vacationing abroad. Even if you’re using a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, you can still create a connection using the ExpressVPN MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature. It can be configured through your pre-flashed router.

Apart from speeds and device support, ExpressVPN advances in the security area. Its apps come with AES 256-bit encryption, Split-Tunneling, leak protection, and a Kill Switch. You can test the VPN on your own to check full functionality of the app. If you’re not satisfied, you could always contact support asking for a refund.

There are users who’d like full anonymity while using a VPN for Japan Netflix. You’ll be happy to know that ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data following a strict policy. To ensure this, ExpressVPN runs on TrustedServer technology. This means all your data is stored on RAM, and is deleted when each session ends or you disconnect from the VPN.

This is why ExpressVPN, despite its steep price, is considered to be a robust VPN app among many users, particularly for those trying to access the Japanese Netflix library or more, from abroad.

Get ExpressVPN Now

4. IPVanish – Access to Netflix Japan on unlimited devices

IPVanish is located in the United States, which usually raises a few red flags among users. It’s because the US is the hub of the 14-eyes alliance, and users do everything possible to pass these watchful eyes. However, IPVanish will make a great VPN app for Netflix Japan considering that despite these odds, it still follows a strict no-logs policy.

IPVanish covers around 1600+ servers in 75+ countries, out of which 20+ servers are dedicated to Japan. You can connect to any of the Japanese servers to access its Netflix library. Other than Netflix Japan, IPVanish is known mainly for unblocking US Netflix and other content if you’re looking to switch it up. With it, I managed to unblock Hulu, Now TV, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Sky Sports and a couple of others.

The IPVanish speeds aren’t as fast as what the other providers tested. However, the speeds are still fast enough for HD or 4K content on Netflix Japan. So, with it, you won’t experience any buffering issues and will be able to bypass ISP throttling, provided that the VPN doesn’t have any data caps. The speed results always vary from user to user, but it will remain stable.

Just like Surfshark, IPVanish too, allows users to make unlimited simultaneous device connections. This is perfect for large families or teams. In case you’re worried about device support, IPVanish is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Nvidia Shield, Chromebook, and others.

Additionally, there’s even a router support. This is for you to create a VPN connection to those apps that don’t support native VPN apps, like Apple TV or certain gaming consoles. You can try putting that to the test since this provider comes with a free trial period.

Other than IPVanish being a no-logs provider, its apps operate using AES 256-bit encryption. It even includes features like a Kill Switch, DNS / IP leak protection, and a Split-Tunneling feature available on the Android and macOS apps. If you’re willing to go the extra mile in anonymity, you can disguise your VPN traffic into regular traffic using the IPVanish inbuilt Scramble OpenVPN traffic feature. It’s used to swift through unnoticed by traffic censors.

IPVanish performed well throughout my testing and review of the app, which is why it’s listed on the best VPN list to unblock Netflix Japan.

Get IPVanish Now

5. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN & 60+ Netflix JP Servers

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN, and offers many privacy features that makes it one of the best VPNs for Netflix Japan. There are different views about this provider regarding whether or not it allows access. However, I believe results can only be found in testing of the app.

CyberGhost offers a network coverage of around 6000+ servers in 59 countries, with around 60+ servers in Japan (Tokyo). That is plenty enough coverage to access the Japanese library. I even ran tests to see whether the VPN worked with other platforms. From gathered results, I got access to BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports, Hulu, 3 Netflix libraries, Disney Plus and a couple more. What’s best about this service, is that it labels the streaming services it unblocks against each server, including P2P platforms.

The speeds weren’t that fast considering I was connected to a slower internet at the time of testing. However, the speeds often vary from user to user depending on where you live. If you live closer to Japan or any Asian country, the speeds are likely to be a whole lot more stable.

The CyberGhost app is easy to use and install. You can also connect to multiple devices over one subscription since it allows up to 7 multi-device connections. You could run a few tests during its free trial period to see how it works for you.

The CyberGhost app comes with features like military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, Exceptions (Split-Tunneling feature), and an in-built malware/ad-blocker. CyberGhost even ensures a strict no-logs policy to keep you anonymous online.

Get CyberGhost Now

I can’t access Netflix Japan – How to fix the issue

If you’re connected to one of the recommended VPNs for Netflix Japan, and still can’t access the library nor bypass the proxy error, here’s what you can do:

• Since you’re connecting to a server in Japan, there are still chances that your physical location might be enabled elsewhere. Check to see if your GPS is disabled from your device.
• Clear all cookies and cache before starting anything.
• Log out of all Google accounts and from browser since it logs physical locations. Netflix can instantly detect this regardless of whether you’re using a VPN or not.
• Change your time zone to that of Japan if you’re accessing the Japanese Netflix library.
• Flush the DNS cache: On your Windows, go to Command Prompt and enter the command: ipconfig /flushdns
• If one Japanese server doesn’t work, disconnect and reconnect.
• Make sure your internet is working efficiently.

VPNs that don’t unblock Netflix Japan

As mentioned above, not every VPN that works with Netflix USA can work with other libraries. Here are a few providers that don’t unblock Netflix Japan no matter how good they are:

• Hola VPN
• HideMyAss
• Hotspot Shield
• SaferVPN
• TunnelBear
• LiquidVPN
• CactusVPN

To conclude

Users are raving about the latest anime shows and movies, and it really is living up to all the hype created. However, no one said that you need to miss out on Japanese content on Netflix just because you’re abroad or travelling. Following the tutorial above will show you how to watch Netflix Japan using the best VPNs for it. With it, your speeds, security and online privacy will be amped up a lot more too!