How to unblock WOWOW from outside of Japan

WOWOW has a ton of content, from drama to live sports, but you can’t use it while traveling outside of Japan. If you try, WOWOW will instead display an error that reads サポート外ネットワークからの接続です。日本国外からの接続、VPN・プロキシ経由の接続等ではご利用いただけません。(roughly translated “Connection is from an unsupported network. Connections from outside Japan, connections via VPN/proxy, etc. cannot be used”).

Despite this, it is possible to unblock WOWOW from outside Japan with certain Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). You just need one with reliable Japanese servers that can fly under WOWOW’s radar! We’ve rounded up some of the best options for streaming WOWOW, many of which also work with other Japanese TV platforms, including NHK, Netflix, and Hulu.

This guide explains how to unblock WOWOW outside of Japan using a VPN. We also look at the best VPNs for bypassing the geo-blocks on WOWOW. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, here’s a quick overview of our top picks:

Best VPNs for streaming WOWOW abroad:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for unblocking WOWOW. A quick and effective way to access Japanese streaming platforms while traveling abroad. Highly secure and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for WOWOW. Delivers impressive speeds and is packed with powerful security features. Protect any number of devices simultaneously
3. IPVanish: This lightweight, zero-logs VPN can help you stream WOWOW across all of your devices. Strong set of security tools, lots of Japanese servers, and novice-friendly apps.
4. ExpressVPN: This fast provider works almost anywhere and boasts reliable performance. Does a great job of protecting your privacy while remaining accessible to novices.
5. CyberGhost: One of the fastest VPNs we’ve seen. Has no problem with most Japanese streaming apps and provides all of the tools you’ll need to watch safely. Great customer support.
6. PrivateVPN: Smaller network but exceptionally strong unblocking capabilities. Suitable for WOWOW, Hulu, and more. Can handle almost any day-to-day task and doesn’t keep logs.
7. PureVPN: A reliable service that’s perfect for any international traveler. High level of security and 24/7 customer support, and the ability to access your favorite streaming apps abroad.
8. ProtonVPN: Fast, customizable, and privacy-conscious. Includes a vast set of security features, but you’ll need a paid plan to reliably access geo-blocked streaming sites.

How to unblock WOWOW abroad using a VPN

Never used a VPN before? That’s perfectly fine: the steps below explain how to spoof your location and regain access to WOWOW while traveling in countries other than Japan.

1. Your first task is to decide which VPN to use (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN, ensuring you get the correct version for your device.
3. Log into the VPN and select one of the available servers in Japan. This will give you a Japanese IP address and make it appear like you’re browsing the internet from Japan, even when you’re elsewhere.
4. Visit WOWOW, sign in, and try watching something. Your video should begin immediately without displaying any errors.
5. Not working? found that most playback issues can be resolved by clearing your cookies and refreshing the page. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.

Finding the best VPNs for WOWOW

Hundreds of VPNs are all competing for your attention. While having more choices is always good, it makes things more difficult for new customers trying to decide which is best for them. We’ve thinned out the field by creating a strict set of criteria that services have to meet before even being considered for a spot in this list. Here is a quick overview:

• Has multiple servers in Japan
• Can reliably access WOWOW and similar streaming platforms
• Fast enough for uninterrupted live streaming
• Keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption and other security tools
• Refuses to log details of your activities
• Offers apps for all major devices and operating systems
• Includes a money-back guarantee so you can try it out before committing

Best VPN for WOWOW

Let’s take a closer look at each of the best VPNs for watching WOWOW outside of Japan:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2024 works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

NordVPN is our top pick, and for good reason. It has over 100 servers in Japan and is far faster than most of its rivals, with average speeds of 300 Mbps. In our experience, this is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming. It works with WOWOW, NHK, and many other popular platforms. It even blocks ads, trackers, and suspicious sites automatically! Users can connect 10 devices simultaneously, and staff are on hand 24 hours per day in case anything goes wrong.

All of the key security features are included, too. For instance, there’s 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. NordVPN also offers a proven zero-logs policy and its own connection protocol, NordLynx, which is based on the speedy and lightweight WireGuard protocol. Signing up anonymously too, since this provider accepts cryptocurrency and gift cards available at several big box stores.

NordVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It can also be manually installed on most routers (check the website’s help section for instructions).

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR WOWOW:NordVPN is our first choice. It’s extremely fast, offers top-tier security, and works with a ton of streaming platforms. Best of all, this service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it completely risk-free.

Take a look at our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for watching WOWOW abroad. With dozens of reliable Japanese servers and some of the highest speeds we’ve seen (595 Mbps on average), you can watch almost anything you like in the highest possible quality. What’s more, unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark has no connection limit and works just about anywhere, even places like China or the UAE. Support staff are friendly, responsive, and available 24 hours per day via live chat.

Security won’t be an issue either since Surfshark boasts effectively-uncrackable encryption. Additionally, it includes a kill switch, protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and blocks trackers automatically. Surfshark has a no-logs policy that has been proven via multiple independent audits. One of its more unique features is the ability to periodically change your IP address while keeping your spoofed location the same. That makes you even harder to track, without compromising your ability to stream.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Users can also choose to manually configure it for use with most home routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top low-cost VPN. Thanks to its exceptional speeds, streaming ability, and security, it’s a natural choice for anyone hoping to watch Japanese TV channels like WOWOW. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our comprehensive Surfshark review for more info.

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3. IPVanish

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

IPVanish offers access to 2,400 servers in 60+ countries, including Japan. It’s really stepped up its game recently in terms of speed and streaming ability. Now, It can reliably access many popular platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Hulu (as well as WOWOW). One of the best things about the service is that it has no connection limit whatsoever – you can protect every device you own with a single subscription. If you’re having trouble, support staff are on hand 24 hours per day over email and live chat.

Let’s talk about security: IPVanish only supports industry-approved protocols and uses unbreakable encryption no matter which you choose. If you’re on the OpenVPN protocol, though, it’s possible to scramble your data, which might help you use the service while on networks that normally block VPN traffic entirely. IPVanish has a strict no-logging policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a brand-new Threat Protection feature. This stops common digital annoyances like ads, trackers, and malicious websites before they become problematic.

IPVanish has its own apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. It supports routers and Linux systems too, though these require manual configuration.

IPVanish speed test data

FLAWLESS STREAMING:IPVanish has high-speed Japanese servers and can reliably access a ton of in-demand platforms, from WOWOW to Netflix and everything in between. It’s security-conscious too, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Interested? Check out the full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

ExpressVPN is known for its high speeds and strong streaming ability. It works flawlessly with WOWOW and can also help you access platforms like Hulu or Netflix Japan during a trip abroad. We’re big fans of how easy it is to use as well; the design is clean and obfuscation kicks in automatically whenever you visit a country with strict online restrictions. ExpressVPN operates a 24/7 live chat service in case you need help, and now permits up to eight simultaneous connections. In other words, it’s great for sharing with family.

That’s all great, but can this service keep you safe? Absolutely! ExpressVPN uses uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to ensure that your activities remain private at all times. It’s been audited on several occasions to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs of your activities and just recently introduced automatic ad and tracker-blocking too. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s own custom-made Lightway protocol, your data can’t even be intercepted when you’re switching between networks.

ExpressVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. It’s also one of the only major providers with its own router app, allowing you to protect your whole network as easily as possible.

ExpressVPN speed test data

WATCH WOWOW ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN gives you everything you need to stream WOWOW outside of Japan. Includes a wide variety of security features and even works in places like China. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

CyberGhost has one of the largest networks around, with 2,000 plus servers in Japan, some of which are specially optimized for streaming. It delivers average speeds of almost 300 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for watching live TV, torrenting, or playing online games. Users can connect up to seven devices at a time and speak directly to staff using the live chat service in the unlikely event that they run into any problems.

By default, CyberGhost keeps you safe using a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and unbreakable encryption. That said, if you’d like a little extra control over your connection, you can choose to connect via a random port, allow certain sites to bypass the VPN, or create customized rules for how CyberGhost should act in specific situations. This provider follows a strict zero-logs policy, something we know for sure thanks to its extensive audit history. What’s more, it can even let you know if your email address or password is leaked online.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you’d like to use it on your home router, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions – these are available on CyberGhost’s website.

CyberGhost speed test data

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost boasts top-tier performance and the ability to access a ton of Japanese streaming platforms (including WOWOW). Not only that, it’s highly secure, refuses to keep logs, and offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our complete review of CyberGhost.

6. PrivateVPN

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

PrivateVPN has a fairly small network but don’t let that put you off. It owns all 200+ of its servers outright, and even with a single location in Japan, it can access all kinds of stubborn streaming sites. What’s more, as this VPN easily sidesteps the world’s toughest online censorship, you’ll be able to watch WOWOW in China, Egypt, or almost anywhere else. While PrivateVPN isn’t the fastest provider we’ve tested, it can handle 4K streams without any performance issues. Plus, it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.

With adjustable encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection built in,  PrivateVPN is a great choice for anyone looking to stay safe online. It doesn’t keep logs of your activities, though we’d prefer if it underwent a third-party audit to prove this. What really sets this provider apart from the competition is that it’s its own ISP. As such, no other organization ever has access to your DNS requests or traffic. You can even choose to pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like to sign up without providing any personally identifiable information.

PrivateVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Users can manually install it on routers and most popular Linux distributions as well.

PrivateVPN speed test data

ANONYMITY FIRST:PrivateVPN is packed with privacy and security features, plus it works in countries with extreme censorship to streaming WOWOW won’t be a problem. It’s fast enough for uninterrupted streaming and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with every subscription.

Learn more with our complete PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

PureVPN has plenty to offer international travelers. For starters, it’s extremely fast, averaging almost 400 Mbps in our most recent tests. Further, it works flawlessly with most major streaming platforms, including WOWOW, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. With servers in 80+ countries and the ability to bypass tough digital restrictions, there are virtually no limits on what you can watch. Torrenting is allowed, there’s 24/7 support, and users can secure up to 10 devices at a time –  not bad considering PureVPN’s low price point.

As you might expect, this service relies on uncrackable encryption to keep your activities hidden. It also offers IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and an independently verified no-logs policy. While there is technically a tracker-blocking tool and port-forwarding support, these only work if you sign up for a Plus or Max plan. That’s a little disappointing, considering many other providers include these features as standard, but it’s not the end of the world. Privacy-minded subscribers can pay in various cryptocurrencies to register without providing their real name or bank information.

PureVPN apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Manual configuration is required to use this service on a router.

PureVPN speed test data

ULTRA-FAST:PureVPN is far quicker than most of its rivals and works with a ton of streaming sites. Not only that, but it includes a solid security toolkit. In short, it’s perfect for anyone who travels frequently. New customers can take advantage of a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at the full PureVPN review.

8. ProtonVPN

works with WOWOWTested Oct 2024

ProtonVPN is another well-respected provider, best known for its free offering. However, upgrading to a paid plan comes with several significant benefits, including access to high-speed servers in Japan and the ability to unblock Prime Video, NHK, and various other Japanese streaming services. Paid users also get a higher device limit (10 instead of one), 24/7 customer support, and high speeds (330 Mbps, as of our most recent tests). In short, it’s well worth considering if you’re planning on going abroad any time soon.

You won’t be disappointed by ProtonVPN’s security offering. To begin with, it uses cutting-edge encryption to keep users safe. There’s also a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a zero-logs policy that’s been repeatedly verified by third-party audits. This provider enhances your privacy even further by stopping ads, trackers, and malicious sites in their tracks. Secure Core servers are kept free from outside interference in high-security data centers. Finally, it’s possible to pay in Bitcoin or cash so that you’re as anonymous as possible.

ProtonVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. Users can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most types of router too.

ProtonVPN speed test data

IN-DEPTH PROTECTION:ProtonVPN offers an extensive set of security tools and flies under the radar of most VPN-detection systems. This speedy, versatile service keeps no logs and can handle whatever you throw at it. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for WOWOW

Unfortunately, you can’t use just any VPN to stream WOWOW abroad. Some can’t bypass the platform’s regional restrictions, while others might not have Japanese servers at all. To ensure we only recommend the best VPNs for the job, we evaluated everything candidates had to offer in a few key areas. Here is a breakdown of our main concerns and why they matter:

• Network: If your VPN doesn’t have servers in Japan, you simply can’t use WOWOW. We also check to see how many servers there are and if they’re spread across multiple cities, since these factors can impact speed (and therefore, your viewing experience).
• Performance: Our team performs rigorous speed testing on every VPN we consider.  This allows us to definitively say whether a provider is fast enough for live streaming and to see if there’s a significant speed difference between servers in different countries.
• Versatility: Your VPN should be able to handle any day-to-day task. That’s why we check that providers are capable of accessing platforms like Netflix Japan, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu as well as WOWOW. We also look into whether they’re suitable for gaming, online banking, beating censorship, or torrenting.
• Security and privacy: We’ll never recommend a service that can’t keep you safe. That’s why our top picks have to include unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Naturally, we strongly prefer providers with no-logging policies, especially if they’ve been independently audited.
• Ease of use: Digital security isn’t just for experts. We value providers that make it as easy as possible to protect yourself. This might be by allowing any number of connections, providing apps for all major devices, or simply offering 24/7 support.
• Value for money: Price shouldn’t be the first thing you think of but it is important. Part of our testing involves comparing services to similarly-priced rivals and making sure that they offer enough flexibility to justify the cost. We also research deals, discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees to save you as much as possible.

This is far from the only testing we do before recommending a service. If you’d like to learn more, we have a post that breaks down our VPN testing methodology in even greater detail.

Streaming WOWOW from outside Japan: FAQs