Did you know that Netflix changes its content depending on which country you’re in? For instance, Netflix Japan has more anime than most other regional libraries. If you’re working or traveling in Japan and want to securely access your usual American catalog, you can, but you’ll have to use a VPN server in your home country. This will give you an American IP address and allow you to watch Netflix USA abroad.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic, preventing your activities from being monitored by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), employer, or government. Further, as your data is being routed through servers in another country, VPNs bypass network or country-wide filtering, allowing you to browse the web freely.

In this article, we list the best VPNs to help you access US Netflix from Japan and how to use them. We have in-depth reviews for each of our recommended VPNs further down, but if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice for Netflix in Japan. This no-logs VPN works well with Netflix, provides customizable security features, and has a network of 5,400+ high-speed servers in 60 countries.
  • Surfshark: This service is great for streaming Netflix in Japan thanks to its hundreds of high-speed US servers, strong security features, and very high speeds.
  • ExpressVPN: A fast, reliable VPN with more than 3,000 servers globally. Includes powerful security features, a no-logging policy, and the ability to securely access Netflix USA in Japan.
  • CyberGhost: With pre-configured security features, a no-logs policy, fast connections, and extreme versatility, this beginner-friendly VPN makes it easy to safely stream Netflix USA abroad.
  • IPVanish: A US-based provider that is fast and secure. Servers in the US work to access your home Netflix from Japan. Apps for all platforms. Allows unlimited connections.
  • PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN is a security-conscious, zero-logs service with very high speeds. Works with more than 10 regional Netflix libraries, including Netflix USA.
  • AtlasVPN: A fast and reliable VPN that keeps no usage logs. Servers in 40+ countries, including the USA, to access Netflix.

How to get American Netflix in Japan using a VPN

Secure streaming is easy with the right VPN, even if you’re a complete beginner. Just follow the steps below to watch Netflix USA in Japan or anywhere outside of the US.

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.

Here’s how to get American Netflix in Japan:

  • First, register with one of the VPN providers mentioned above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the app, taking care to get the correct version for your device and operating system.
  • Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers, this will give you the US IP address needed to access your home Netflix library.
  • Try playing a video on Netflix. It should begin right away, but if you’re still seeing an error (“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again”), clear your cache and cookies, then reload the page. This should fix the issue.
  • If you still can’t watch anything, contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

Best VPNs for Netflix USA in Japan – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for accessing Netflix USA in Japan.

The best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan

Choosing a VPN that works with Netflix can be difficult because there are dozens of services available, all with different strengths. But you’re actually better off choosing a versatile VPN that works in several different situations instead of one specifically designed to work with Netflix USA. That’s why we’ve decided to only recommend VPNs meeting all of the criteria below:

  • Can securely access Netflix US from outside of America
  • Provides fast, reliable connections to servers in a wide range of countries
  • Includes powerful security features and uses effectively uncrackable encryption
  • Logs no personally identifiable information (preferably keeps no logs at all)
  • Has apps for the most popular devices and operating systems

You can find out more about our specific VPN testing methodology in our dedicated article. but for now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made our list.

Here are the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works with Netflix USATested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for watching US Netflix in Japan. It has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries, with around 1,900 in the US. This service is known for its exceptional versatility: it can securely access Netflix US from anywhere but also lets you use services like Hulu and HBO Max. With very high speeds and up to six simultaneous connections permitted, you’ll be able to stream without lag or buffering, wherever you are.

This VPN comes with numerous advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against port forwarding, WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, a customizable kill switch, a malware scanner, and an ad-blocker. NordVPN even offers specialized servers for browsing safely in countries with strict online censorship. This service doesn’t keep any logs and offers 24/7 support over live chat in case of any issues.

NordVPN has apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It works on home routers too, but must be installed manually.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 BPN choice. It provides over 5,400 high-speed servers, customizable security, and a no-logs policy, at a very affordable price. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Wide network of global servers
  • Excellent security and encryption standards
  • Fast enough speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
  • Works well with Netflix
  • No-logs policy
  • 24/7 live customer support

Cons:

  • The desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

Read the complete NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works with Netflix USATested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch (available in all versions) to keep your online activities private. You can register anonymously with Bitcoin and a throwaway email address, but this service has a strict zero-logs policy, so your activities can’t be traced back to you either way. Need help? You can contact customer support 24/7 over live chat.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Surfshark is fast enough for HD streaming and great for watching Netflix as you travel, plus it allows you to connect as many devices as you’d like. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

  • Servers located in approximately 100 countries

  • No limit on the number of devices connected

  • Offers a fast, reliable service

  • No issues with accessing US Netflix

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Some slower servers

Read our full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This service keeps your activities private at all times using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that automatically stops all data transferal should you lose your connection unexpectedly. If you’d like extra anonymity, you can pay with Bitcoin, although as ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, you can’t be tracked either way. Support is available over live chat, 24/7.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware which makes it easy to install ExpressVPN on a router.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming Netflix USA in Japan. It’s fast and secure and has over 3,000 servers in 90+ countries. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

  • Optimized for high-speed connections

  • Works with Netflix US, UK, and others

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Best-in-class security and privacy

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • More expensive than other providers

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Check out our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is one of the most user-friendly VPNs available. It currently has over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, and as you can search for the ideal server by latency, load, or the service, it’s designed to access (for instance, Netflix US), getting a high-speed connection for streaming couldn’t be easier. CyberGhost permits up to seven simultaneous connections, so it’s perfect for people looking to protect lots of devices.

One of the best things about CyberGhost is that it just works. There’s no need to configure anything as 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, ad-blocking, and malware scanning are all enabled by default. If you do need help, you can contact customer support via live chat, 24/7. This VPN does not log any information that could identify you.

CyberGhost provides Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually configured to work with Linux systems and wireless routers. Plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

STRESS-FREE STREAMING:CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with over 9,000 servers worldwide. It includes strong security features, one-click access to streaming platforms, and fast connections, so you can safely watch Netflix US abroad. There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Vast network of over 9,000 global servers

  • Streaming-optimized servers

  • Apps are easy to use and great for new users

  • Very good speeds

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Less suitable for power users

  • Doesn’t work reliably from China

Take a look at our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a VPN service based in the USA. This isn’t ideal because of the presence of the NSA. However, IPVanish makes up for this with its watertight no-logs policy. This ensures that the VPN will have no details to hand over to the authorities even if it is served a warrant.

The VPN is fast thanks to its proprietary network of around 2,000 servers in 75+ global locations. That Tier-1 network belongs to its parent company J2 Global, which means that it retains full control over all its servers – which is also great in terms of security and privacy.

Apps are available for all popular platforms, and they have advanced features like a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and a SOCKS5 proxy. Best of all, you can install those apps on an unlimited number of devices, which makes it great for larger families.

When it comes to streaming, the service works to securely access Netflix US without issues. However, it does not work with Hulu or BBC iPlayer. Thus, this isn’t as good when it comes to streaming international services. That said, it is a good option for Kodi users, and you can test it yourself with any streaming platform thanks to its money-back guarantee.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish own its own servers, offers outstanding speeds for streaming, and allows you to connect all your devices with one account. Strong privacy protections. Keeps no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast US servers work to access  Netflix

  • No logs policy

  • Robust encryption and a kill-switch

  • Unlimited connections

  • Based in the US

  • Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has fewer servers to choose from than some of its competitors (around 200 in 60+ countries), but it’s much faster than many other providers. In fact, this VPN allows you to stream HD video without any noticeable buffering or lag, and better still, it works exceptionally well with Netflix. PrivateVPN lets you connect up to ten devices at once.

This service keeps your activities hidden using 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch. Although PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d prefer to sign up anonymously. Live chat support is available 22 hours a day, and the staff can even remotely install or configure the software for you, with your permission.

PrivateVPN has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS devices. Manual installation is required for use with Linux-based platforms and internet routers.

WATCH NETFLIX ANYWHERE:PrivateVPN offers better-than-average speeds, the ability to securely access more than 10 Netflix libraries abroad, and a zero-logs policy, making it ideal for streaming. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Faster than many other providers

  • Privacy and security are top notch

  • Apps for all platforms

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • A smaller number of servers to choose from

Read our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

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

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN produces some of the most impressive speeds for streaming we’ve seen. It may not have the largest network among the providers on our list, with only 750+ servers in 40+ countries, but its use of WireGuard ensures you can stream Japanese and US Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and so much more without interruptions.

It’s a no-logs provider, meaning your streaming activities aren’t recorded, and it also uses military-grade encryption. that’s not to mention its built-in breach monitor, malware blocker, split tunneling, and kill switch that each delivers to bolster your online privacy.

While AtlasVPN doesn’t have router or Linux support, it has apps for the major operating systems on desktop and mobile. plus, it includes an unlimited connection limit. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee and live chat support.

SUPPORTED BY WIREGUARD:AtlasVPN is a lightning-fast VPN with unlimited connections, servers in over 40 countries, and lets you access Japanese and US Netflix with ease. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Speedy VPN with great streaming ability

  • Lots of powerful security tools

  • Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support

  • No router support

  • Getting a refund can be difficult

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

It’s often difficult to tell if you’re using a legitimate free VPN or not. In fact, one study found that more than 37% of free VPNs tested contained malware. Even the ones that were virus-free weren’t safe, as over 80% leaked personal information over IPv6, and 18% didn’t use encryption at all, meaning users were no safer than browsing normally. These problems aren’t limited to little-known services either; we’ve seen popular free VPNs like Hola sell user bandwidth to help run botnets.

Using a reputable VPN with a clear privacy policy and an established record of standing up for its users’ privacy is the best way to protect yourself online. Check out the best VPNs for Japan for some quality options. 

When connected to a VPN, all of your traffic is encrypted, meaning it’s unreadable to anyone without the correct decryption key. As such, you can keep your login credentials, online banking information, and internet history private at all times.

Another benefit is that VPNs can route your traffic through servers in another country. This enables you to bypass any web filtering imposed by the hotspot owner or government and access whatever websites you like. Additionally, if you connect to a server in your home country before logging into your accounts (Uber, for instance, or your online banking service), you can avoid automated fraud prevention alerts and ensure you don’t get locked out of your account.

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