Best VPNs for Osaka in 2024

Travelers to Osaka might find that they lose access to their usual sites, services, and streaming platforms from home. This is due to geographic restrictions and rights regulations, and while it’s not uncommon, it can be frustrating. Luckily, though, there is an easy way to bypass such restrictions and access your usual content from Osaka or anywhere, you just need a VPN.

VPNs encrypt your data and send it through a server located somewhere else in the world. This changes your IP address to one in a country of your choice, tricking geo-restricted sites into believing you are in their country and allowing you access. So, for example, you could connect to a VPN server in the US to unblock American content while in Japan. As an added bonus, VPN encryption keeps your online activities private and safe from prying eyes or possible hackers – a plus if you’re using a lot of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN in Osaka and list the best providers for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each of them later on, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a summary.

Best VPNs for Osaka:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN recommendation for travelers in Osaka. Quick, reliable, and security-conscious, with fantastic unblocking ability. Also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for Osaka. Lets you connect any number of devices and boasts top-notch speeds and security. Works with Netflix, Hulu, and more.
3. ExpressVPN: A veteran provider that won’t be beaten on speed. Servers in three Japanese cities. Unblocks a huge range of geo-restricted services from abroad.
4. CyberGhost: This beginner-friendly VPN offers pre-configured security, solid unblocking ability, plus access to more than 100 high-speed servers in Japan, perfect for users in Osaka.
5. IPVanish: Provides consistently high speeds and doesn’t keep any logs at all. Users can protect all of their devices at once. Impressive set of security and privacy tools.
6. PrivateVPN: A zero-logs provider offering better-than-average speeds, exceptional unblocking ability for users in Osaka, and very strong security.
7. Hotspot Shield: This VPN is speedy and extremely versatile, with solid unblocking potential and a good range of built-in security tools.

Best Osaka VPN: 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 Osaka.

Best VPN for Osaka

Every VPN is different, so before choosing one, it pays to do your research. However, this is often more difficult than it seems, given the sheer number of technical terms they use. Here’s a tip: you’ll almost certainly be better off with a balanced VPN than one that excels in one area. To ensure that the service you choose can handle anything you throw at it, we only recommended VPNs meeting all of the criteria below:

• Offers access to high-speed servers in Osaka or nearby cities
• Can unblock some of the most popular geo-restricted services from abroad
• Provides top-notch security tools, including effectively uncrackable encryption
• Doesn’t store any personally identifiable data
• Has apps for all major operating systems

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our detailed methodology article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

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

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Osaka and an excellent choice for any traveler. It offers access to over 130 Japanese servers, with several located in Osaka if you’re looking for an Osakan IP address. There are around 5,400 in total across 60+ countries, plus it’s among the fastest providers on the market. Very few geo-blocked platforms can stop this VPN; in fact, once connected, users can access services like Netflix, NHK, and Fuji TV from anywhere. Up to six simultaneous connections are allowed at any one time.

When it comes to security, this provider has a lot to be proud of. It uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and a zero-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain private. Further, you’ll be protected from WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, plus there are special obfuscated servers that allow you to browse without restriction in places like China. Free customer support is available around the clock over live chat and email.

NordVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. Further, it can be manually installed on a wide range of supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR OSAKA:NordVPN is our first choice. It’s a well-respected provider boasting exceptional security and privacy features, reliable connections, and the ability to unblock just about anything. Best of all, you can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Why not check out our complete NordVPN review?

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has a large network of speedy servers, with around 3,200 in 100 countries, including Japan. Needless to say, this means it’s great for accessing region-locked content as you travel. Better still, it boasts strong unblocking abilities and even works with tricky platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In stark contrast to its rivals, many of which have strict connection limits, Surfshark allows its users to secure as many devices as they like.

This provider’s security features are top-notch. To begin with, there’s 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. That’s not all: this VPN’s apps also include a NoBorders mode that can help you bypass especially strict online blocking (such as the kind used in China). Thanks to a strict no-logs policy, there’s no need to worry about your activities being revealed. Support staff can be reached 24/7 via live chat and email.

Surfshark apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. If you’d prefer, it can also be manually installed on your home router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a fast, low-cost option that offers a particularly impressive set of security and privacy features. What’s more, it allows you to secure every device you own at once. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at the full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the fastest service we’ve tested and offers plenty of server choices, with clusters in Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama. All in all, there are around 3,000 servers in 94 countries, so if you’re hoping to access geo-restricted services from back home during your trip, this might be the provider for you. ExpressVPN is particularly effective at accessing regional Netflix libraries.

Security-wise, ExpressVPN has everything you’d expect from a veteran provider, including DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption. Most importantly, this service refuses to store any logs that could identify you. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for another layer of privacy, it’s possible to pay in Bitcoin. A 24/7 live chat-based help desk is available in the unlikely event that you run into any issues.

ExpressVPN allows you to protect up to five devices at once on a monthly subscription and eight with longer plans. It comes with iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows apps. Additionally, it has its own custom router firmware that helps you easily secure your entire home network.

EXCEPTIONAL SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for almost any task thanks to its incredibly fast servers and powerful security features. It has no issues accessing services like Netflix and Hulu abroad. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is known for its large network, with 9,000+ servers in 90 countries around the world, over 100 of which are in Japan. Thanks to its designated streaming servers, consistently speedy connections, and seven-connection limit, it’s very easy for users to access their usual platforms while traveling abroad. There’s unlimited bandwidth, too, giving you the freedom to stream, browse, or torrent as much as you like.

This VPN makes it as easy as possible to get started since its security features all come enabled by default. In other words, you’re making use of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic ad-blocking/malware-scanning from the moment you connect. What’s more, CyberGhost doesn’t store any data that could be used to trace activities back to you.

CyberGhost users can install apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Further, it’s possible to manually configure this service for use with supported internet routers.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is a fast, beginner-friendly VPN that comes packed with powerful security and privacy features. It has no issues accessing major geo-blocked services abroad, and offers access to over 9,000 servers with 100+ in Japan. A 45-day money-back guarantee is also included.

Interested? Check out our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish provides access to 2,000 servers in around 60 countries, with 20 or so in Tokyo. It’s a fast, lightweight service with unlimited bandwidth, meaning it’s great for torrenting or streaming while abroad. Users can access a decent number of region-locked platforms, including Netflix US, Disney+, and HBO Max. Better still, there’s no connection limit, so this is a particularly strong choice for families.

This service comes packed full of advanced security features, including a traffic scrambler (that helps you bypass VPN-blocking measures), a local traffic blocker, and a kill switch. 256-bit encryption and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks are included as well. IPVanish follows a true no-logs policy, so your privacy is in good hands. If you’re having any problems, you can reach out to customer support at any time over live chat or email.

IPVanish has iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps. It can also be manually configured for use with Linux systems and supported network routers.

BROWSE SAFELY ABROAD:IPVanish is packed with cutting-edge security features and provides reliable, high-speed connections. Better still, it allows you to secure all of your devices at once, something very few of its rivals do. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee,

For more info, read the full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has fewer servers than others in this list (around 200 in 60+ countries, with just one in Tokyo), but despite this, it remains an exceptionally fast and reliable provider. It’s great at accessing streaming platforms, too, and even works with in-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. There are no bandwidth limits whatsoever, and users can connect up to ten devices at any one time.

As you might expect from its name, this VPN takes your security seriously. It includes 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, a customizable kill switch, an ad-blocker/malware-scanner, and a Stealth mode for getting around stubborn online blocking. PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider and can’t reveal your activities to anyone. Additionally, support staff can be reached most hours of the day over email and live chat.

PrivateVPN comes with Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, and Windows apps. Further, this service works with some wireless routers via manual setup.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is faster than most, has no issues unblocking platforms like Netflix, and boasts a wide range of security and privacy features. As if that wasn’t enough, this no-logs provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has more than 1,800 servers in 80 countries worldwide, including Japan. It’s more than fast enough for live streaming and works with notoriously tricky platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This strong unblocking ability, combined with a five-connection limit, means that users can watch their favorite shows whether they’re at home, on the go, or in a completely different country.

Privacy-conscious users will be pleased to hear that there’s a great set of security features built in, including a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Notably, this service doesn’t keep any identifiable logs once you’ve disconnected. Support is available, day or night, via live chat and email.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. It’s also possible to secure a whole network by manually installing this VPN on your router.

SECURE AND VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield boasts a strong selection of security features, as well as impressive unblocking ability and consistent speeds. This means it’s well-suited to a variety of tasks like streaming and torrenting. This VPN also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Why not take a look at our full Hotspot Shield review?

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How to browse safely in Osaka with a VPN

VPNs can seem pretty intimidating at first, but they’re really quite simple to use. In fact, it’s possible to get up and running and start browsing the web anonymously in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Osaka:

1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Next, download and install the VPN app, making sure to install it on any device you use often. You’ll usually be allowed to have six or so devices connected at once.
3. Log in and connect to a server in the location where you want to access content. For example, If you just want to browse Japanese sites safely, select a Japanese server. Alternatively, if you’re trying to access a geo-blocked service from abroad, you’ll have to use a server in the appropriate country. For instance, you’d use a British server to access BBC iPlayer and a US server to access US Netflix.
4. Your traffic is now encrypted, ensuring it can’t be read by snoopers, plus your real IP address is hidden, making it extremely difficult to trace your activities back to you.
5. If you encounter any problems, we recommend clearing your browser’s cookies and cache, switching servers, or asking your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

Osaka VPN: FAQs