7 Best VPN Services for iPhone in Japan [Free and Paid]

Reading time icon 9 min. read


Readers help support VPNCentral. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more

japanese vpn iphone

I’ve been using VPNs for a very long time and I can show you a few options that are not only compatible with your iPhone but also optimized for use in Japan.

Let’s get started.

What are the best VPNs for Japanese iPhone users?

Here’s a quick overview of the best VPNs for your iPhone that work great in Japan. For more details, check the in-depth reviews below.

VPNServersJapanese ServersSpeed on a 100 Mbps Network
ExpressVPN logo
ExpressVPN

โญ 4.7/5 in App Store
โ— 3,000+ servers
โ— 104 countries
โ— Tokyo,
โ— Shibuya,
โ— Yokohama.
โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 76.75 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 96.54 Mbps 
โ— Europe (UK) 79.24 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 95.06 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Egypt) 81.79 Mbps
surfshark logo
Surfshark

โญ 4.8/5 in App Store
โ— 3,200+ servers
โ— 100+ countries
โ— Tokyo.โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 79.83 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 85.09 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK) 72.83 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 65.82 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Turkey) 53.97 Mbps
nordvpn logo
NordVPN

โญ 4.7/5 in App Store
โ— 5,800+ servers
โ— 60 countries
โ— Osaka,
โ— Tokyo.
โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 69.60 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 56.82 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK) 93.02 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 61.24Mps
โ— Middle East (Turkey) 65.69 Mbps
cyberghost logo
CyberGhost

โญ 4.2/5 in App Store
โ— 9,000+ servers
โ— 90+ countries
โ— Tokyo.โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 42.53 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 48.08 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK) 59.32 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 45.73 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Saudi Arabia) 24.60 Mbps
pia logo
PIA

โญ 4.5/5 in App Store
โ— 35,000 servers
โ— 80+ countries
โ— Tokyo,
โ— JP Streaming.
โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 74.37 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 58.73 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK) 45.30 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 36.39 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Turkey) 46. 97 Mbps
ipvanish logo
IPVanish

โญ 4.5/5 in App Store
โ— 2,200 servers
โ— 50+ countries
โ— Tokyo.โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 65.55 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 67.19 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK) 57.23 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 58.88 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Turkey) 81. 73 Mbps
protonvpn logo
ProtonVPN

โญ 4.6/5 in App Store
โ— 2,700+ servers
โ— 66 countries
โ— Tokyo.โ— Asia Pacific (Japan) 54.45 Mbps
โ— North America (US) 67.25 Mbps
โ— Europe (UK)  78.23 Mbps
โ— Africa (South Africa) 54.23 Mbps
โ— Middle East (Turkey) 50.62 Mbps

Best VPNs for iPhone in Japan

To help you make an informed decision, I’ve explained why these VPNs are suitable for iPhone users in Japan. I’ve tested several options and came up with these options based on:

  • Ease of use and compatibility with iOS
  • Global server availability
  • Japanese server network
  • Ability to unlock geo-blocked content
  • Top-of-the-line privacy to stop snoopers and ISP tracking

Let’s get into it.

1. ExpressVPN – the speedster

expressvpn ios

ExpressVPN is renowned for its lightning-fast speeds, making it a favorite among iPhone users in Japan.

With over 3,000 servers globally and several servers in cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, you get all you need.

You can use the VPN both for bypassing regional blocks on services that aren’t available in Japan, but also to browse local sites.

The speed rates of its Japanese servers -76.75 Mbps on 100 Mbps Internet ensure smooth streaming and quick downloads.

Security-wise, its 256-bit AES encryption acts as a digital shield, especially vital when accessing public WiFi networks in Japan.

โœ… Pros:

  • Exceptional speeds, ideal for streaming and downloading
  • Strong encryption ensures maximum security

โŒ Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than some competitors
  • Limited simultaneous device connections

ExpressVPN

Protect your data, bypass restrictions, and get fast browsing speeds with ExpressVPN!
Check price Visit website

2. Surfshark – budget-friendly with great global coverage

surfshark ios

Surfshark rapidly grew as one of the top providers ever since its launch in 2018. Its growing global server covers over 100+ countries, including Japan.

The VPN has an easily navigable iOS app. You can easily connect, browse through the server list, and choose your preferred settings in just a few taps.

The speed rates of its Japanese servers are commendable, facilitating seamless online activities. You can rest assured that connecting to it won’t take a toll on your connection.

In fact, it may actually be beneficial for it. Thanks to its 256-bit encryption, this VPN hides all your online activity.

So your ISP won’t see your history, which means it can’t artificially slow down your connection based on what you do online, be it gaming or watching videos.

โœ… Pros:

  • Offers innovative features like CleanWeb and MultiHop
  • Unlimited device connections

โŒ Cons:

  • Newer in the market, less established reputation
  • Smaller network compared to other high-ranking VPNs

Surfshark

Browse privately, and get rid of online restrictions all on a steady and fast connection with Surfshark!
Check price Visit website

3. NordVPN – the security powerhouse

nordvpn ios

NordVPN stands out for its robust security features.

With over 5,400 servers worldwide and multiple servers in Tokyo and Osaka, it offers an expansive network.

Having this many servers provides good speed rates, even when many users connect at the same time. This ensures uninterrupted online activities.

Additionally, its geo-unblocking prowess ensures unrestricted access to international content. You can use it to access international content on Binge or fuboTV from Japan.

This VPN is also very much focused on privacy and security. For this reason, it employs features like Double VPN encryption, which adds an added layer of security by routing your connection through two servers.

This feature is invaluable for iPhone users in Japan accessing public WiFi, ensuring maximum security.

โœ… Pros:

  • Double VPN encryption provides added security
  • An extensive server network ensures global coverage

โŒ Cons:

  • Some servers can be slower than others
  • The interface might be overwhelming for beginners

NordVPN

Browse the web freely, protect your data on public WiFi, and access locked content with NordVPN!
Check price Visit website

4. CyberGhost – streaming specialist

cyberghost iphone

For those who love binge-watching, CyberGhost is optimized for streaming, making it the perfect choice.

It boasts a vast global server network of over 9,000, including several in Tokyo. This ensures iPhone users in Japan have a smooth experience both on local and international sites and services.

The speed rates of its Japanese servers are impressive, guaranteeing buffer-free streaming and lag-free gaming on your favorite iPhone game.

Additionally, its geo-unblocking capabilities ensure easy access to platforms like Netflix US or BBC iPlayer.

On the security front, the 256-bit AES encryption ensures user data remains private, especially crucial when accessing public networks.

โœ… Pros:

  • Servers optimized specifically for streaming
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners

โŒ Cons:

  • Speed can vary based on server location
  • Fewer features than some competitors

CyberGhost

Enjoy games and content from overseas, shield your data, and bypass ISP restrictions with CyberGhost!
Check price Visit website

5. Private Internet Access – biggest server network

pia iphone

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the epitome of privacy. With over 35,000 servers globally, including several in Japan, it gives you all you need to bypass blocks and browse locally.

Not only that, but the speed rates of its servers are consistent, ensuring smooth browsing.

Furthermore, robust encryption techniques further enhance user privacy, making it an ideal choice for iPhone users in Japan concerned about their online footprint.

This will prevent online tracking and snooping on public WiFi and also stop activity-based ISP throttling.

You can also use it to access locked streaming sites and also make cheaper in-app purchases.

โœ… Pros:

  • A strict no-logs policy ensures user privacy
  • Offers customizable encryption levels

โŒ Cons:

  • Some servers might not be ideal for streaming.
  • Based in the US, a member of the Five Eyes alliance.

Private Internet Access

Connect to PIA for high-speed connections, access to global content, and more!
Check price Visit website

6. IPVanish – the all-rounder

ipvanish iphone

IPVanish offers a balanced mix of speed, security, and server availability.

When it comes to servers, it has a global count of 2,200 servers all around the world. Out of them, 20 are located in Japan. This makes IPVanish a versatile option for various needs.

Furthermore, its geo-unblocking capabilities are robust, granting access to a plethora of global content such as series on Virgin Media Player or Sky Go.

Additionally, the 256-bit AES encryption ensures user data remains protected, especially vital when accessing public WiFi networks in Japan.

โœ… Pros:

  • Offers unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Provides consistent speeds across servers.

โŒ Con

  • No free trial available
  • Some concerns about data logging in the past

IPVanish

Keep your iPhone data safe and enjoy smooth browsing on any site with IPVanish!
Check price Visit website

7. Proton VPN – reliable with an outstanding free tier

proton vpn iphone

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland – known for its stringent privacy laws.

With a significant global server presence and numerous servers in Japan, it offers both speed and security. Worthy of note is the fact that it offers several Japanese servers in its free version.

Also, as opposed to most free tiers, the one Proton offers allows you full access with no monthly limits. The drawback is it only has locations in Japan, the US, and the Netherlands.

All servers I tried provide reliable speed rates, ensuring a smooth online experience. I didn’t notice performance differences between free-tier and premium servers.

Just like the other options on this list, it offers reliable AES-256-bit encryption as well as a strict no-logs policy. This ensures your data remains protected.

โœ… Pros:

  • Based in Switzerland, known for strict privacy laws
  • Offers a free version with limited features

โŒ Cons:

  • The free version only has 3 locations
  • Fewer servers compared to competitors

Proton VPN

For peak connection speeds and top-of-the-line protection of your iPhone data, try ProtonVPN!
Check price Visit website

Why do you need a VPN for an iPhone in Japan?

From top-of-the-line privacy to bypassing online censorship, using a VPN on your iPhone will improve your online experience in Japan. Here’s why:

  • Enhanced online privacy: Safeguard your online footprint from trackers, your internet service provider, and any other eavesdroppers.
  • Global content access: Dive into a world of digital content without borders. From Netflix US to BBC iPlayer, a VPN ensures no geo-restrictions stand in your way.
  • Safe public WiFi use: Accessing public Wi-Fi, be it in Tokyo’s bustling streets or Kyoto’s tranquil spots, can be a gamble. A VPN encrypts your data, ensuring your online safety.
  • Bypassing speed throttling In Japan: ISPs like AT&T often throttle internet speeds for certain activities such as watching YouTube videos or gaming. VPN encryption stops that by hiding your activity from your ISP.

Now let’s see which VPNs can help us achieve all these.

Disclaimer: Using a VPN in Japan is perfectly legal.

Conclusion

Being in Japan, ensuring online privacy and unrestricted access is paramount. With the best iPhone-compatible VPN with both Japanese and global servers, you can explore the online world securely and freely.

Choose your VPN wisely, stay protected, and enjoy the digital wonders of Japan and beyond.

More about the topics: iphone, japan

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *