How to watch Hulu Japan (outside Japan)

Like most popular streaming platforms, Hulu is region-locked. This means means that subscribers who travel to other countries normally won’t be able to watch their favorite content. In fact, most of the time, you’ll see the dreaded “Your account is not valid in this region” error message. Don’t worry, though: we’ll explain how to access the Japanese version of Hulu from anywhere in the world.

The easiest way is to sign up for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that unblocks Hulu. As well as helping you regain access to your usual Japanese content abroad, these encrypt your data, preventing it from being read by snoopers. You might even notice better streaming speeds since VPNs help prevent ISP throttling.

Here’s a quick overview of the best VPNs for Hulu Japan. Just scroll down for more detailed reviews of each!

The top VPNs for watching the Japanese version of Hulu:

1. NordVPN: The #1 VPN for Hulu JP. Has over 130 super-fast servers in Japan and prioritizes your online security. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Hulu.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Hulu Japan. No simultaneous connection limit. Works with a wide range of other services and delivers very high speeds.
3. ExpressVPN: Quick connections and strong unblocking ability make for a great streaming experience. Novice-friendly VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy.
4. CyberGhost: One of the best VPNs for streaming. Effortlessly unblocks Hulu, provides first-class speeds, and come with user-friendly apps for all platforms.
5. IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN with no connection limit and exceptional performance. Makes it easy to browse safely and stream Hulu JP abroad.
6. PrivateVPN: Reputable provider with a strong focus on privacy. Unblocks a ton of Japanese content and even works in China.

How to watch Hulu outside Japan

The Japanese library has a ton of content that’s just not available on Hulu USA. Luckily, it’s easier than you might think to unblock Hulu abroad. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be watching your favorite shows in no time:

Here’s how to stream Hulu Japan online (outside Japan):

1. First, you’ll have to choose a suitable VPN service (we recommend NordVPN)
2. Download and install your provider’s VPN app
3. Login and connect to a server in Japan. This will get you the Japanese IP address needed to access popular streaming platforms from back home
4. Head over to Hulu Japan in your browser or use the Hulu Japan app. You should now be able to stream without any problems. Having problems? In our experience, clearing your cookies and cache helps most of the time.

The best VPNs for Hulu Japan

Hulu tries its best to block VPN users, and few services have the speeds needed to provide a good streaming experience. When researching this post, our expert team looked for services meeting all of the following criteria:

• Japanese servers that are fast enough for uninterrupted streaming
• The ability to Hulu and lots of other Japanese content
• Uncrackable encryption and no-logs policies
• Apps for all major platforms
• Live chat-based customer support

Let’s jump right in with a closer look at our top pick, NordVPN:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Hulu Japan abroad. It has over 5,000 servers globally, with around 130 in Japan, and delivers average speeds of around 200 Mbps — well more than is required for lag-free streaming. Better still, this VPN works with NHK, Crunchyroll, Netflix JP, and a host of other popular streaming platforms. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat in case of any issues.

This VPN keeps your activities hidden using AES 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and an app-specific kill switch. It also offers a couple of additional features, such as obfuscated servers capable of beating China’s Great Firewall and automatic tracker-blocking. Unlike most other providers, NordVPN has been independently audited to prove that it follows a strict no-logs policy.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android, and Fire TV. You can even manually install it on most routers.

BEST VPN FOR HULU JAPAN:NordVPN is our first choice for streaming Japanese TV abroad. Faster and stronger on security than most of its rivals. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee to let you test it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

Surfshark is our top low-cost VPN for streaming Hulu. It has roughly 100 server locations to choose from (including Japan) and can securely access a ton of popular platforms including Netflix JP. This is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, delivering average speeds of nearly 200 Mbps in our latest tests. What’s more, it has no simultaneous connection limit and 24/7 support over live chat.

In terms of security, Surfshark is outstanding. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, plus a proven no-logs policy. That’s not all: this VPN can even change your Japanese IP address regularly, access the wider internet in places like China, and blocks trackers automatically. There’s even a new MeshNet feature that facilitates secure file transfers between devices on different networks.

Surfshark has its own Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux apps. Manual setup is needed for routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR HULU JAPAN:Surfshark is an affordable VPN service with blazing-fast speeds, no connection limit, and the ability to unblock the Japanese version of Hulu while traveling abroad. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full Surfshark review

3. ExpressVPN

works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN unblocks a wide variety of geo-restricted content including Hulu, NHK, and Disney+. You’re not limited to Japanese content either, as there are 94 server locations around the world. Connection speeds are exceptional, so there’s no need to worry about lag or long buffering times, and if you do run into trouble, you can just ask for help using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

If you’re want to improve your online security without messing around in the settings, this is the VPN for you. ExpressVPN shields you with 256-bit AES encryption, tracker-blocking, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection right out of the box, and automatically turns on obfuscation if it realizes you’re in a country with strict digital censorship. This is one of the only providers with an independently-verified no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. It even has its own custom app for routers, making it easy to secure your whole network with a single subscription.

STREAM HULU JAPAN ABROAD:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for streaming the Japanese version of Hulu. Hard to beat on privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee and servers in 94 countries.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost has 100+ servers in Tokyo, so getting a Japanese IP address is simple. Some of these are even specially-optimized for unblocking geo-restricted content (though you can also find some designed for torrenting, gaming, and maximizing your online privacy). With speeds pushing 300 Mbps, you’ll be able to stream Hulu live without any noticeable buffering.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep your activities hidden from snoopers. Additional features include random port connection, which can beat some forms of VPN-blocking, and a smart rules tool that lets you specify conditions where the VPN should connect automatically. CyberGhost follows a true no-logs policy, something confirmed by third-party audits.

CyberGhost has apps for just about every operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, you can manually install it straight ont your router.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Makes it easy to watch Japanese Hulu abroad and gives you full control over your online security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

IPVanish is a rare find: a newcomer-friendly VPN that allows unlimited connections and works with lots of streaming services. As if that wasn’t enough, it outperforms many of its better-known rivals, averaging almost 280 Mbps and effortlessly unblocking Hulu USA and Japan from anywhere. This VPN is very easy to use but live chat is available 24/7 in the unlikely event that you run into any difficulty.

There’s a surprisingly wide variety of security tools as well. For instance, in addition to 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, IPVanish can reconnect automatically after an outage, scramble your OpenVPN traffic, and activate on its own whenever you use an unsecured network. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs, something we know for sure thanks to independent audits.

IPVanish has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. If you’d like to use it with Linux systems or routers, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

SECURE NETWORK:IPVanish lets you connect an unlimited number of devices and offers top-notch security. Lots of advanced features, including a kill-switch and obfuscation. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual and 2-year plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

works with hulu japanTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN might only have around 200 servers in 63 countries (and one in Japan) but it works with plenty of major streaming services. In other words, it’s a great choice whether you’re looking to stream Hulu, Netflix, or Disney+ abroad. Speeds are decent, and up to 10 simultaneous connection are permitted. Live chat isn’t available 24/7, although it’s not far off.

Those traveling regularly overseas will be happy to know this VPN works in China, unlike many of its rivals. It also has a ton of advanced security features: a robust no logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It is also one of the few VPNs with split tunneling and port forwarding; ideal if you want to torrent or run a gaming server from home.

PrivateVPN makes apps for Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS. It can also be manually installed on Linux systems and some routers.

STEADY SPEEDS:PrivateVPN has fast Japanese servers that are perfect for Hulu. Doesn’t compromise on privacy and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for Hulu Japan

It’s not enough to just get a VPN that works with Hulu JP. After all, people use the internet for all kinds of other tasks, and you need a service capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Our years of industry expertise has taught us that it’s best to consider VPNs holistically, so here’s a quick overview of what our team looked for:

• Japanese servers: Without servers in Japan, you’ll either get an error message or a different library when trying to watch Hulu abroad. Ideally, these’d be spread across several cities so that you can use whichever is closest for faster speeds
• Performance: Streaming is fairly data-intensive, so fast speeds are a necessity. We perform regular hands-on VPN speed tests to make sure that only the quickest, most reliable services earn a spot in our list.
• Versatility: We personally check to see if VPNs are capable of accessing geo-restricted content on platforms like Hulu JP, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. Additionally, we make sure they’re suitable for torrenting, playing online games, and making video calls.
• Security and privacy: A VPN that can’t keep you safe isn’t worth using. At a minimum, they must have uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, though we strongly prefer services with additional features like tracker-blocking and stealth modes.
• Ease of use: Digital security should be available to everyone. That’s why we search high and low for VPNs with multi-platform support, high connection limits, and other quality of life features like 24/7 live chat.

Want to learn more? Read our full VPN testing methodology post to find out how we put providers through their paces.

Hulu Japan VPN FAQs