How To Get a Japanese IP Address From Anywhere in 2024
Japan’s rich culture is one of the reasons why millions of people visit it yearly. Its culture is well expressed in content online that people from different parts of the world can digest. Unfortunately, not everything is available to people outside Japan as geo-restriction prevents people that are not physically in the country from accessing some local content. This can be due to licensing issues, as owners of some Japanese content do not have the license to operate outside the country.
The one way to bypass geo-restriction technology is to get a Japanese IP address. You can get a Japanese IP address in a couple of ways. However, the most secure way is to use a VPN. VPNs have physical or virtual servers spread worldwide that make local IP addresses available for their users in seconds. In this case, a VPN service with at least a server in Japan is all you need to access geo-blocked content. This article dwells on how you can get a Japanese IP address from anywhere in 2024.
Steps To Get a Japanese IP Address
VPN services don’t just offer Japanese IP addresses; they also provide adequate security and privacy. You don’t want to get a Japanese IP address that leaves you vulnerable to malicious entities looking to take advantage of any vulnerability. You need to follow the steps below to get a Japanese IP address with zero issues.
- Choose a reputable VPN service that is trustworthy and purchase a subscription package you can afford. Note that the VPN must have servers in Japan.
- Download the application if the VPN service has a native application for your operating system. Otherwise, check for manual installation instructions on the service provider’s website.
- After installation, enter your account credentials if necessary.
- Connect to any server in Japan.
You now have a Japanese IP address you can use to bypass geo-restriction. Reach out to the VPN service’s support team if you encounter any issues.
Recommended VPNs You Can Use To Get a Japanese IP Address
It is a good thing that many premium VPNs are affordable and offer heavy discounts, especially for long-term subscription packages. We will now look at VPN services that will not just give you access to Japanese IP addresses but offer secure, reliable, and fast connections.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN’s presence in Tokyo and Yokohama makes it easy for its customers to get a Japanese IP address. Presently, it has six server locations out of its 160 in Japan. Apart from Japan, you can connect to 93 countries as it has over 3000 servers globally. When ExpressVPN loans you a Japanese IP address, bypassing geo-restrictions and doing any P2P activity on Japanese websites will not be an issue.
The industry-leading VPN service delivers on every front, including performance and privacy. It is quick enough to allow you to enjoy watching data-intensive shows without buffering. At the same time, its servers do not store customers’ connection logs as they all run on volatile memory (RAM). In addition, ExpressVPN’s British Virgin Islands base keeps it away from the long arms of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
A proprietary Lightway protocol is one reason why ExpressVPN is quick and secure. It also uses other protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. ExpressVPN’s formidable security layer consists of 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, built-in leak prevention, Tor over VPN, a Kill Switch, and Split Tunneling.
Its user-friendly and feature-rich applications are available on iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. It also has browser extensions and manual installation options. ExpressVPN is not exactly budget-friendly, but you can utilize its 30-day money-back guarantee to see what the hype is about. Lastly, you cannot use beyond five devices at the same time.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is another premium VPN with a significant server base in Japan. It is available in 59 countries and has over 5400 servers resident in those countries, including Japan. Therefore, getting a Japanese IP address from anywhere will not be a problem as NordVPN has more than 80 servers in Tokyo.
This VPN ranks above most VPNs when it comes to performance and security. Its revolutionary WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol is incredibly faster than other secure protocols. Plus, NordVPN’s Panama headquarters allows you to enjoy using the VPN without worrying about the 14 Eyes Alliance. Besides, its No-Log Policy is very effective against such worries.
NordVPN’s security architecture consists of protocols like OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2. In addition, it has other security features such as AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, built-in leak protection, Split Tunneling, a Kill Switch, and an adblocker. Furthermore, you can use Tor over VPN, Double VPN, and Obfuscated servers for added security and privacy. All these and more ensure optimum security while accessing Japanese content.
PwC has audited NordVPN twice and can confirm that its users are getting value for their money. Despite its budget-friendly subscription prices, NordVPN makes available a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, it is available for use on several operating systems, but you can only use it on a maximum of six devices simultaneously.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Surfshark is a relative newbie in the VPN industry. However, despite its newbie status, this incredible VPN service is reliable and trustworthy. It is available in 65 countries and has over 3200 servers distributed across those countries. As a result, you will have access to Japanese IP addresses as its server location in Tokyo provides exceptional service to customers.
ExpressVPN and Surfshark have their headquarters in the same country. The British Virgin Islands attracts VPN services because of its privacy laws. In addition, it is not loyal to the 14 Eyes Alliance, nor does it require VPNs to retain customer information. Thus, Surfshark has the freedom to stick to its No-Log Policy.
Surfshark’s primary purpose is to keep your data safe and secure, which is why it uses AES-256 encryption and gives you the option to use any of OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. It also includes perfect forward secrecy, Double VPN, leak prevention, a Kill Switch, and an adblocker as additional defense components.
You can take advantage of discounts that make Surfshark very affordable. Besides, its 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a period of risk-free usage you can use to test its reliability. Also, Surfshark is compatible with several operating systems and permits an unlimited amount of simultaneous connections.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
ProtonVPN has server locations in Osaka and Tokyo. Its presence in these Japanese cities means that acquiring a Japanese IP address for its customers is not an issue. Globally, it is present in 54 countries and has more than a thousand servers its customers can connect to at any period.
It also has specialty servers such as Secure Core servers that defend against security and privacy threats, especially in areas of high internet censorship. ProtonVPN is out to provide features that protect your privacy, which is why it chose Switzerland as the host country of its headquarters. Hence, it keeps no logs and maintains its No-Log Policy.
ProtonVPN’s NetShield is a feature that actively cuts off ads, malware, and trackers. It also works to prevent you from visiting known phishing websites. ProtonVPN offers military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, and Split Tunneling. In addition, it uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec to keep the VPN tunnel secure.
Its easy-to-use applications are open source and available on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux. With its free plan, you can connect to three servers in Japan. Other plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. ProtonVPN’s simultaneous connection limit depends on the subscription plan you select.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
PrivateVPN
Features
- Killswitch Yes
- iOS App Yes
- Data logging No
Pros/Cons
- Servers in 63 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
- App can seem complicated
PrivateVPN has a server location in Tokyo. Its Tokyo server base is responsible for any Japanese IP address that its users use to bypass geo-restrictions. PrivateVPN is available in 60 countries and has more than 200 servers in its server network. With more than a decade of experience in the VPN industry, this VPN service is a veteran you should consider using.
Despite its small server fleet, PrivateVPN offers swift and dependable connections. In addition, protecting your privacy and security is PrivateVPN’s primary purpose. This is why despite its Swedish headquarters, it stays true to an airtight No-Log Policy. Furthermore, you can pay in cryptocurrency as it provides a payment platform for that purpose.
The veteran service provider supports using OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec to secure the VPN tunnel. Also, its users can feel safe using it because it uses AES-256, perfect forward secrecy, and a Kill Switch to ensure the safety of data that passes through the tunnel. Furthermore, there is a Stealth Mode for users that need obscurity.
PrivateVPN offers discounts on its subscription plans and also has a 30-day refund policy. However, you must have a valid reason for the refund. It is available on Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android. Other devices will require manual installation.
- Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
- Lowest price: €2.04
What To Consider Before Using a VPN To Get a Japanese IP Address
Certain things can determine your experience using a VPN. Below, we look at what matters when using a VPN service to get a Japanese IP address.
1. Server Network
Since you need a Japanese IP address, it is necessary for the VPN service you select to have a server location in Japan. Without a single location in Japan, there is no way you can bypass geo-restriction. Fortunately, all the VPNs above have servers in several Japanese cities. Ensure to check it has servers in Japan if you decide to use a VPN service outside the ones we have recommended. Plus, a VPN service with more server locations is more attractive than one with fewer.
2. Security and Privacy
Malicious entities are less likely to attack VPN services with an airtight security layer. AES-256 is the standard encryption cipher that VPN services use as it is practically impenetrable. VPNs that use weak encryption ciphers will only put you at risk. You must look out for the security features that VPNs offer before committing to them. In addition, the location of the VPN service also matters. VPNs in privacy-friendly countries are less likely to have any privacy issues compared to others.
3. Performance
For people that perform data-intensive tasks, performance is quite important. For example, you need a fast and reliable VPN if you want a Japanese IP address to access Japanese game servers. Also, those who want to watch Japanese shows in high video quality will regret selecting a slow VPN.
Conclusion
With VPNs, getting a Japanese IP address should not be a hassle. ExpressVPN sits at the top of our list because it consistently delivers dependable service and offers all-around protection. You can also check out some budget-friendly premium VPNs such as NordVPN and Surfshark if you cannot afford ExpressVPN. The power to choose a VPN that will serve you lies in your hands. We have done our bit in providing you with relevant information to help your decision-making process less stressful.