watch Netflix USA in Japan

Netflix’s movie selection is tailored to your geographical location. So, if you’re a movie enthusiast residing in Tokyo or anywhere else in Japan, you’ll find a rich array of Japanese movies and anime, thanks to the dedicated Japanese server. But what if you’re yearning for the American movie lineup while in Tokyo? The answer is straightforward: employ a VPN with a server in the USA. This provides you with an American IP address, allowing you to indulge in the Netflix USA subscription and encrypts your online footprint.

With a VPN, you’re not merely sidestepping regional blocks; you’re ensuring your online activities remain confidential from entities like your ISP, employer, or the government. This guide introduces you to the best VPNs to seamlessly access Netflix USA in Japan. And for those on a tight schedule, we’ve crafted a summary just for you.

Best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan:

  1. 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.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for US Netflix.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN is a security-conscious, zero-logs service with very high speeds. Works with more than 10 regional Netflix libraries, including Netflix USA.
  7. AtlasVPN: A fast and reliable VPN that keeps no usage logs. Servers in 40+ countries, including the USA, to access Netflix.

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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.

Here’s how to get American Netflix in Japan:

  1. First, register with one of the VPN providers mentioned above (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the app, taking care to get the correct version for your device and operating system.
  3. Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers, this will give you the US IP address needed to access your home Netflix library.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Netflix USA123456
Unblocks Netflix US
US Servers16 cities / 6,000+ servers25 cities / 600+ servers11 cities / 2104 servers12 cities20 cities / 1106 servers12 cities
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited87Unlimited10
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

The best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Japan

Choosing a VPN that works with Netflix can be difficult because dozens of services are 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 look closer at the VPNs that made our list.

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

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

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

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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Read the complete NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark stands as a premier VPN choice, boasting a network of over 3,200 servers across more than 100 countries. It offers a smooth experience for streaming enthusiasts, granting access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from Japan. A unique feature of Surfshark is its allowance for unlimited connections, a significant departure from its competitors, who usually limit it to six. This makes it a prime pick for families or group movie nights.

With your privacy in mind, Surfshark employs robust 256-bit AES encryption, complemented by DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. The built-in kill switch ensures your online activities remain private. For those who prioritize anonymity, Surfshark supports registration via Bitcoin and a temporary email. Their strict zero-logs policy ensures your streaming preferences stay private. Their 24/7 live chat support is at your service if you need assistance.

Surfshark is versatile, compatible with devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick, and can be manually configured on routers and Linux systems.

Pros:

  • 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

Cons:

  • Some slower servers

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries worldwide and provides consistently high speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Further, ExpressVPN is great for streaming; it works with Netflix and other platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices at once.

This service always keeps your activities private 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 making installing ExpressVPN on a router easy.

Pros:

  • 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

Cons:

  • More expensive than other providers
  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Check out our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

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.

Pros:

  • 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

Cons:

  • Less suitable for power users
  • Doesn’t work reliably from China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Take a look at our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

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 unlimited devices, making it great for larger families.

Regarding streaming, the service works to access Netflix US without issues securely. However, it does not work with Hulu or BBC iPlayer. Thus, this isn’t as good for 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.

Pros:

  • Fast US servers work to access  Netflix
  • No logs policy
  • Robust encryption and a kill-switch
  • Unlimited connections

Cons:

  • Based in the US
  • Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services

Our score:

4 out of 5

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.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

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 want 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.

Pros:

  • Faster than many other providers
  • Privacy and security are top notch
  • Apps for all platforms

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
  • A smaller number of servers to choose from

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Read our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN Works with Netflix USATested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

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.

Pros:

  • Speedy VPN with great streaming ability
  • Lots of powerful security tools
  • Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support

Cons:

  • No router support
  • Getting a refund can be difficult

Our score:

4 out of 5

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.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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Watching US Netflix in Japan with a VPN: FAQs

Can I watch American Netflix with a free VPN?

Free VPNs can be tempting at first glance, but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find that they often come with significant disadvantages. Take performance, for example: with more users and fewer servers than paid VPNs, free services usually provide far slower speeds which makes streaming almost impossible. Further, free VPNs are normally the first to be blocked by services like Netflix, so even if you found a free VPN with reasonable speeds, you still might not be able to watch anything.

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.

Why else should I use a VPN in Japan?

The Japanese government doesn’t actively censor the internet (except to take down illegal or copyright-infringing content). However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need a VPN. When you’re visiting another country, you’re more likely to rely on public wifi networks. Unfortunately, these are rarely as secure as they should be, which makes public hotspots a prime target for hackers. As if this wasn’t enough, hotspot owners often monitor user activity too.

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.

What shows can I watch on Netflix US?

There are thousands of titles available on Netflix USA, and with the right VPN, you’ll be able to stream them all from anywhere in the world. Below are some of the most popular TV shows on American Netflix right now:

  1. The Chef Show
  2. When They See Us
  3. Black Mirror
  4. Russian Doll
  5. Parks and Recreation
  6. Twin Peaks
  7. Arrested Development
  8. Killer Ratings
  9. Dead to Me
  10. The Society

Is it legal to use a VPN to access Japanese Netflix?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, accessing content libraries from regions where you don’t hold a subscription might go against Netflix’s terms of service. Reviewing local laws and Netflix’s user agreement before using a VPN for such activities is wise.

Can I get Japanese Netflix without a VPN?

Absolutely! If you’re in Japan or have a Japanese IP address, you can dive into Japanese Netflix and its extensive collection of Japanese content and movies without a VPN. But, a VPN becomes indispensable if you’re outside Japan and aim to access the Japanese server.