How to Watch Japanese Streaming Sites｜Best VPNs for Access
Most Japanese streaming services are restricted to users within Japan.
If you’re trying to watch Japanese content, you’ll likely find that access is blocked.
To bypass these restrictions and enjoy Japanese shows from abroad, you’ll need to use a VPN.
- Download a VPN app.
- Connect to a VPN server located in Japan.
- Access the Japanese streaming site you want to watch!
A VPN allows you to switch your IP address to a Japanese one, making it appear as if you are browsing from within Japan.
Find out why Japanese streaming is blocked overseas and how to unlock it with a VPN.
・1-year: $4.99 / month
・2-year: $3.39 / month
・1-year: $2.79 / month
・2-year: $2.19 / month
・1-year: $6.67 / month
・2-year: $4.99 / month
Why You Can’t Access Japanese Streaming Sites
There are two main reasons why Japanese streaming services are not accessible from overseas:
- Japanese site operators block access from overseas
- Government censorship in your country
Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons.
① : Japanese streaming services block access from overseas
Many Japanese video platforms intentionally restrict access from outside Japan for the following reasons:
- Their terms of service do not allow viewing from outside Japan
- Licensing agreements limit content distribution to within Japan only
For example, Netflix Japan and other platforms are often bound by agreements with content providers that require content to be available only within Japan.
As a result, if you try to access these services from abroad, your foreign IP address is automatically blocked.
② : Government censorship in your country
Another common reason is that your country’s government censors internet access and restricts certain websites.
Countries known for strict internet censorship include:
- China
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Russia
- Myanmar
- Cuba
- Vietnam
In these countries, technical blocks are imposed on various foreign websites and streaming services due to political or cultural reasons.
Fortunately, whether the restriction is from the content provider in Japan or your local government, these limitations can usually be bypassed by using a VPN.
Even in heavily censored countries like those listed above, a reliable VPN can allow you to access Japanese streaming sites as if you were in Japan.
Why Can You Access Japanese Streaming Sites with a VPN?
Using a VPN allows you to access Japanese streaming services from outside the country.
This is possible thanks to two key features of VPN technology:
- VPNs Change Your IP Address to Fake Your Location
- VPN Encryption Bypasses Government Censorship
Let’s take a closer look at how each of these work.
① : VPNs Change Your IP Address to Fake Your Location
Your IP address functions like your digital address—it reveals your approximate geographic location.
When you’re in Los Angeles, for example, your IP information clearly shows you’re accessing the internet from the U.S.:
Global IP Address: 192.**********
Remote Host: 192.**********
Country: United States
Region: Los Angeles
OS: Windows 11
Streaming services use this information to detect and block access from outside Japan.
However, by connecting to a VPN server located in Japan, your IP address will appear as if you’re browsing from within the country:
Global IP Address: 45.**********
Remote Host: 45.**********
Country: Japan
Region: Tokyo
OS: Windows 11
This effectively fools streaming services into thinking you’re accessing from Japan, allowing you to watch content users outside the country.
② : VPN Encryption Bypasses Government Censorship
Another powerful benefit of VPNs is encryption. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is fully encrypted.
This means that no one—including governments or internet service providers—can see which websites you’re visiting or what you’re watching.
This is especially important in countries like China, the UAE, and others where internet censorship is strict and many foreign websites are blocked.
With a VPN, you can bypass such censorship and freely access Japanese streaming platforms that would otherwise be unavailable in your region.
In short, by hiding your real IP address and encrypting your traffic, VPNs make it possible to enjoy Japanese content from virtually anywhere in the world.
Top VPNs for Accessing Japan-Only Streaming Sites
VPNs can sometimes slow your connection—especially when streaming in high quality.
That’s why it’s important to choose one that offers both speed and stability.
Cost is another key factor, so finding a VPN with great performance at a reasonable price is ideal.
Here, we’ll introduce three globally trusted VPNs that deliver excellent speeds and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
All three services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test their speed, stability, and performance before committing.
Let’s now take a closer look at what each VPN has to offer.
① : NordVPN — Blazing Fast and Incredibly Reliable
NordVPN is a globally trusted VPN service known for its outstanding speed, stability, and security.
Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, you can enjoy high-quality video streaming with minimal buffering—even from overseas.
It also enforces a strict no-logs policy, making it one of the most privacy-friendly VPNs on the market.
With 6,300+ servers across 111 countries, it offers smooth, consistent access to Japanese streaming platforms from virtually anywhere in the world.
- Starting at $3.39/month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 6,300 servers in over 111 countries
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and other devices
If you prioritize speed and connection stability, NordVPN is a top choice.
It’s ideal for users who want to watch Japanese streaming content without interruptions.
Try it risk-free. Don’t like it? Get a full refund!
- How to set up NordVPN?
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Using NordVPN is easy—even for beginners.
Follow these 5 simple steps to watch Japanese content using NordVPN.
Visit the Official WebsiteHead over to NordVPN’s official website and click the “Get NordVPN” button.
Make sure the phrase “30-day money-back guarantee” is displayed below the button.
This means you can try the service risk-free for 30 days and get a full refund if it’s not right for you.
Choose a PlanNordVPN offers three plans:
- Basic
- Plus
- Complete
If your main goal is streaming video content, the Basic plan is more than enough.
Click the “Get Basic” button to move on to the next step.
Enter Your Email AddressYou’ll be prompted to add extra services, but you can skip these and simply click “Continue.”
Next, enter your email address. This will be used as your login ID, so make sure it’s a valid and accessible address.
Once you’ve entered your email, click “Continue” again.
Select a Payment MethodReview the plan details and choose a payment method to complete the purchase.
NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Not satisfied? Just contact support for a refund.
Download the App and Connect to “Japan”After your payment is complete, install the NordVPN app on your device and log in.
Then just select “Japan” as your server location—and that’s it!
You’re now able to access Japanese video streaming sites from anywhere in the world.
② : Surfshark — Unlimited Connections & Affordable Plans
Surfshark stands out for its unbeatable cost performance—offering unlimited device connections under a single subscription.
Whether you’re sharing with family or using multiple devices yourself, Surfshark has you covered without any extra fees.
With built-in features like an ad blocker and malware protection, it’s a safe and beginner-friendly option for everyday use.
- Starting at $2.19/month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200 servers in over 100+ countries
- Unlimited number of connected devices
- Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and other devices
Surfshark is especially well-suited for budget-conscious users, families who want to share a single VPN plan, and individuals who regularly switch between multiple devices.
Despite its low monthly price—starting at just $2.19—Surfshark doesn’t compromise on features or performance!
- How to set up Surfshark?
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Using Surfshark is simple, even if you’re completely new to VPNs.
In this section, we’ll show you how to connect to a Japanese server and start watching Japanese video content from anywhere in the world.
Visit the Official WebsiteHead over to Surfshark’s official website and click the “Get Surfshark” button.
Make sure you see the “30-day money-back guarantee” note under the button—this means you can try Surfshark risk-free for 30 days.
If it’s not a good fit, you can easily get a refund.
Choose a planSurfshark offers three plans:
- Surfshark Starter
- Surfshark One
- Surfshark One+
If you’re mainly using it to stream Japanese videos, Surfshark Starter is all you need.
Click the “Get Starter” button to proceed.
Account Creation and PaymentNext, create your Surfshark account. You can sign up using your Google or Apple account for convenience.
After setting up your account, you’ll be asked to choose a payment method.
We’ll go with credit card in this example.
Enter your payment informationEnter your credit card details in the provided form.
Once the “Success!!” message appears, click “Complete purchase.”
Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee still applies here. If you’re not happy, simply reach out to their support team for a full refund.
Download the app and connect to a server in JapanAfter completing your payment, download the Surfshark app to your device and log in.
Then, choose “Japan” as your server location—and that’s it!
You’re now ready to stream Japanese content from anywhere in the world.
③ : ExpressVPN — A Premium VPN Offering High-Quality Streaming
ExpressVPN is one of the most trusted and well-established names in the VPN industry, allowing users around the world to stream Japanese content with ease.
In addition, it uses government-grade encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy. When it comes to connection quality, privacy protection, and customer support, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms most of its competitors.
- Starting at $4.99/month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,000 servers in over 105+ countries
- Up to 8 simultaneous connections
- Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and other devices
If you’ve ever struggled with slow speeds, connection drops, or poor video quality when using free or budget VPNs, ExpressVPN is your solution.
Enjoy ExpressVPN’s top-tier protection for 30 days, completely risk-free with our full refund guarantee!
- How to set up ExpressVPN?
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Setting up ExpressVPN is quick and easy—even if you’re completely new to VPNs.
In this section, we’ll walk you through five simple steps to connect to a Japanese server and start streaming Japanese content from anywhere in the world.
Visit the Official WebsiteHead over to ExpressVPN’s official website and click the “Get Express” button.
You’ll notice a “30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE” under the button.
This means you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free for 30 days. If it doesn’t meet your needs, you can request a full refund—no questions asked.
Choose a PlanExpressVPN offers three subscription options:
- Premium
- VIP
- Basic
If your main goal is to stream Japanese content, the Basic plan is more than sufficient.
Click the “Get Basic” button to move on to the next step.
Account Creation and PaymentEnter your email address to create your ExpressVPN account.
Next, you’ll be prompted to select a payment method.
For now, we’ll use a credit card.
Enter your payment informationFill in your credit card details in the secure checkout form.
Once you’re ready, click “Subscribe Now.”
Remember, the 30-day money-back guarantee still applies. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily contact ExpressVPN support for a full refund.
Download the app and connect to a server in JapanAfter completing your payment, download the ExpressVPN app to your device and log in.
Finally, choose “Japan” from the list of available server locations.
That’s it! You’re now ready to stream Japanese video content from anywhere in the world, securely and without restrictions!