Do You Need A VPN In Japan? Complete Guide To Using A VPN in Japan
If you’re travelling to Japan soon, you might be wondering whether you really need a VPN.
We didn’t have a VPN for our first trip to Japan, then used one for our second, and it really did make a world of difference! After spending time across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, here’s what we’ve learned about using VPNs in Japan – when they’re useful, how they work, and why we always have one active when we travel, both in Japan and anywhere else in the world!
We personally use SafeShell VPN. It’s fast, affordable, and easy to install: and you can download it yourself here. But all of the information shared in this post can be applied to any VPN that you use when you travel in Japan.
If you’re planning a trip around Japan then you might also find my 14 day Japan Itinerary post useful – a comprehensive, tried and tested itinerary perfect for first time travellers.
Want to find out more about using a VPN in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know:
- What Is a VPN and Why Travellers Use One
- Which VPN Do We Use?
- Do You Need a VPN in Japan?
- When You Might Not Need a VPN
- Final Thoughts: Is A VPN Worth It In Japan?
- Further Reading
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
What Is a VPN and Why Travellers Use One
If you’re not very techy (and I’m really not!) the idea of a VPN might sound complicated: but it’s actually very simple. VPN stands for ‘Virtual Private Network’ and it’s a simple service that keeps your online activity private and secure when you’re using the internet.
When you connect to a VPN it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the website or app your using. To put this in simple terms, it means that your personal information – like passwords, emails, and card details – are kept hidden from anyone snooping on public Wi-fi networks.
This is so useful for us when we’re travelling, because we so often rely on high-speed public internet to get online!
PLUS VPNs also allow you to change your location online. This means that no matter where we are in the world, we can always look like we’re in the UK. Why is this important? Because using our VPN to appear as if we’re browsing from our home country means we can access all our favourite streaming services that might not otherwise work in the same way overseas.
In short, the simple answer to the question ‘what is a VPN’ is that it’s a simple little service that helps you stay safe, stream freely, and enjoy the internet anywhere in the world…..just like you were still at home!
Which VPN Do We Use?
We use SafeShell VPN, and we’ve tried and tested this in Japan (as well as elsewhere in the world!) so we know it really works – we never recommend anything we haven’t tried ourselves.
We like SafeShell VPN because one subscription can be used on up to 6 different devices, meaning that we only need one subscription for our whole family, and if we want to, all four of us can be online at the same time!
SafeShell has a global network of high-speed servers, including servers in Japan, and its technology is designed to access geo-restricted content and ensure security. It’s also super affordable (because you know we like to travel on a budget!) and if you sign up for a year rather than pay monthly – something that works for us because we’re regular travellers – then it works out even cheaper: you’ll get 38% off a yearly subscription if you use this link.
Do You Need a VPN in Japan?
I am NOT here to scaremonger anyone, so I want to start this by saying that Japan is a very safe country to travel to, and is also generally safe for internet use too. But no country (even Japan) can every be 100% safe and a VPN will provide an extra layer of security, ensuring no one can access your personal information, especially when you’re using public networks in hotels, cafes, or while you’re out and about.
Some other key reasons travellers should use a VPN in Japan include:
- Security. As I mentioned, this is particularly important if you’re using public wifi networks.
- Streaming. My personal favourite reason to use a VPN. Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and so many more steaming services will show different content libraries in Japan. Your VPN allows you to use your usual service, and access the same English-language shows that you would at home.
- Accessing banking or work accounts. Some foreign logins get blocked overseas. We had this problem on our first trip to Japan (which we took VPN free – big mistake) and I had a bill to pay, but I couldn’t pay it as I couldn’t access my account from outside the UK. I ended up having to pay a late fee…..
- Privacy. Don’t want anyone else to know what you’re browsing while you’re travelling? A VPN is the perfect solution.
TIP: SafeShell VPN is the best VPN for TV, Movies, Sports and Social Media because its exclusive APP Mode allows you to enjoy content from multiple regions simultaneously. Making it the perfect choice for travellers!
When You Might Not Need a VPN
You don’t always need a VPN when you’re travelling in Japan: It really depends what you’ll be going online for.
We opt to use a VPN for security reasons and, because we tend to take longer trips (we’ll be in Japan for a month next time) the kids like the familiarity of their favourite TV shows to wind down after a long day of walking and exploring.
If you’re taking a short trip and/or you’ll only be going online for general browsing, using Google Maps, and checking in on social media then you’ll be perfectly fine to go to Japan without a VPN: it really is a personal choice!
Final Thoughts: Is A VPN Worth It In Japan?
We travel often enough that we have an annual VPN subscription, and it’s definitely worth it for us. I like the peace of mind that comes from browsing with our VPN, and the kids love being able to watch their favourite TV shows.
Japan is one of the safest places to travel, but for peace of mind alone, I think a VPN is absolutely worth it. It’s such a small cost, for a lot of convenience!
We use SafeShell VPN whenever we travel – it’s secure, fast, and perfect for families on the go.
👉 Find out more about SafeShell VPN and why it’s the right choice for travellers in Japan
Further Reading
Planning your own trip to Japan? No matter where you are in the planning process, I’ve created a whole wealth of information to help you. Check out some of the links below:
🗼 The Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary For First Time Travellers
💡 Top 8 Attractions In Japan You Can (And Should!) Book With Klook
🚄 Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It? Our Honest Opinion
Do you use a VPN when you travel? Is it something you would consider, or not the right choice for you? I will admit, I didn’t even know what one was until my hubby (whose much more techy than me!) suggested we use one….
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
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