How to get a Japanese IP address from anywhere

What is a Japanese IP address?

A Japanese IP address is the unique identifier of a device on the internet that is usually given if your device is associated with a connection to a Japanese server, ISP, or network administrator. Normally, a device would have to geographically be in Japan to access Japanese websites and would then display specific Japanese content to the user. By getting a Japan IP address, your device will have its internet traffic routed through Japanese servers, which will change the nature of your online experience.

Why would you want a Japanese IP address?

The reason why Japanese IP addresses are so useful is because they allow you to browse the internet as if you were physically located in Japan. This can be handy in many situations, including:

• Accessing your content securely while abroad: Japanese IP addresses can help you securely connect to local Japanese content while traveling, which can personalize your browsing and improve your overall online experience.
• Online banking and shopping: It’s much easier to connect to Japan’s online banking services or do your shopping online in Japanese stores if you have a Japanese IP address. When your internet traffic is routed through Japanese servers, you’re more likely to get shopping recommendations tailored to you.
• Comparing prices: If you’re trying to plan a trip or itinerary for Japan, getting a Japanese IP may help you compare prices and plot out your schedule. This ability is particularly useful if you’re trying to check hotel prices or get cheaper flight tickets during peak tourist seasons.
• Privacy and security concerns: If you’re worried about your internet service provider or other lurkers that might track your activity based on IP address, acquiring a Japanese IP address can help mask your IP and keep your online activity more private. Replacing your existing IP address with a Japanese IP also helps if you’re trying to make sure that your internet traffic is secured and not monitored.

Overall, getting a Japanese IP address allows you to change, personalize, and increase the security of your online browsing. Aside from trying to enjoy Japanese content while traveling, getting a different IP address associated with a Japan server is simply another option to increase your privacy.

How to get a Japanese IP address

The usual way to get a Japanese IP address is to access the internet with a device that’s physically located in Japan. However, you can connect to a Japanese server (and have your traffic rerouted through it) in several ways that don’t require you to physically be in the country.

Use a VPN

Using a VPN is the most convenient method to obtain a Japanese IP address for your online activity. A VPN funnels your online traffic through its own VPN server, which encrypts your traffic. This allows you to keep your browsing traffic more private and inaccessible to internet providers and other parties that may want to look into your internet connection. A VPN service also offers great security features like DNS leak protection.

A VPN service is extremely user friendly, usually offering unlimited VPN bandwidth. To obtain a Japanese IP using a VPN, you simply have to download a VPN, log in, and connect to a Japanese server.

Given that a VPN encrypts your online traffic to make sure that it is secure, you can confidently access Japanese websites while traveling outside of Japan without anyone being the wiser. VPNs also come with additional online security features. For example, the NordVPN app has a Kill Switch system that can ensure that your online traffic isn’t compromised when your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

Use a proxy server

A proxy server works similarly to a VPN — it can also register your device to a different virtual location or country rather than where it’s located. Proxy servers are usually free services as well, which can be appealing to the average internet user. But what are the differences between a proxy and a VPN? Unlike a VPN, a proxy server only changes your IP address. So while your device may associate itself with a Japanese server when you browse online, your online activity may still be traced back to you.

However, using proxy servers can be an issue because some websites may detect and block traffic that’s registered with a proxy server, especially if it’s widely used. And simply switching your server location isn’t enough to make sure you have reliable connections to the websites you’re trying to access. Proxy servers will work well for most casual browsing. However, if you want to get access to Japanese content while traveling and enjoy strong security features, VPNs offer far more benefits and fewer difficulties in their use.

Use the Tor browser

The TOR network (also known as The Onion Router) is a specific type of browser that can change your IP address via multiple layers of traffic encryption. It normally assigns a random IP address to your browser every time you use it, but you may also choose a specific country’s IP address.

The setup to route traffic through the servers of a specific country that you’re looking for — in this case, Japan — can be more complex than simply using a VPN. However, you can use a VPN while using the TOR browser if you’re accessing websites with the .onion address. For example, NordVPN has a feature called Onion Over VPN. It gives you all the advantages of the Onion network combined with the security of a VPN tunnel without the need to use the TOR browser.

Get a dedicated Japanese IP address

If you’re looking for a smoother experience when browsing Japanese websites, it’s best to consider getting a dedicated IP address associated with a Japanese server. A dedicated IP address means that only one user’s data and internet traffic are being funneled through it (in this case, yours). This allows you to skip the usual verification steps when visiting websites.

A dedicated IP address is particularly useful if you’re often visiting Japanese websites since they’re far less likely to ping your traffic than if it’s coming from a VPN. Having your own Japan IP address means that websites and services that look for VPN access are less likely to flag your data. Consequently, a dedicated IP address may help you have a smoother and faster experience when accessing Japanese content.

NordVPN: The best VPN for getting a Japanese IP address

NordVPN has over 100 Japanese VPN servers, allowing you to access Japanese content at your leisure while also keeping your internet traffic secure. Compared to free VPNs, it has plenty of features that can enhance your online privacy without compromising a smooth browsing experience.

Some of these features include:

• Automated Kill Switch: NordVPN automatically shuts off your internet connection if something disrupts your VPN connection. This ensures that your identity online is never compromised.
• A strict no-logs policy: NordVPN doesn’t keep a copy of your online activity.
• Split tunneling options: NordVPN can also be set to change the traffic routing of specific applications and services rather than just changing the overall connection of your device. This gives you more flexibility when browsing the internet.

NordVPN’s security features (alongside its user-friendly design) allow you to enjoy some of the best online privacy a VPN service can offer without compromising your online activity. For more information about how NordVPN can help you get a better browsing experience, take a look at NordVPN reviews.

On using free VPNs to get Japanese IP addresses

VPN services are not all the same — some may offer free access in exchange for limited functionality or throttled internet speed. Given that they functionally fill the same role, you may wonder if it’s worth it to pay a premium for a VPN service, knowing that free versions exist.

Most security experts recommend getting a paid VPN app because it will have more security features to keep your online activity safe. Aside from DNS leak protection, premium VPNs can further encrypt your online traffic with options like double VPN for an added layer of security.

A paid VPN will have no interest in your data, with the additional premiums you pay usually translating into more features that can enhance your privacy and security online. Using a free VPN might often lead to your browsing preferences being gathered and sold to advertisers for a profit. A free VPN will also have worse infrastructure and overall support compared to a paid VPN service.

Overall, the premium you pay for paid VPNs is a great investment in making sure your online experience is smooth and more secure.

FAQ

How can I check if I have a Japanese IP address?

If you’re wondering, “What is my IP address?”, some websites like NordVPN offer tools to check your server location and your associated network provider. You can also conduct an IP lookup by entering a specific IP address into the NordVPN tool to discover its location.

What does a Japanese IP address look like?

Japanese IP addresses look just like any other IP address. An IP address is a string of four sets of numbers that gives your device a unique identifier regarding its server location. Once you’ve set your VPN to a Japan server, you’ll automatically get a Japanese IP address.

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a Japanese IP address?

Yes, it is legal in most countries to use a VPN connection to change your original IP address to a Japanese one. However, a few countries impose restrictions. It’s always a good idea to check if it’s legal to use a VPN in a country you’re in.

Can I get an IP address for a specific city in Japan?

NordVPN can help you connect to specific VPN servers in Japan for increased privacy and security. NordVPN can also be an excellent way to access local content if you’re Japanese and are traveling abroad. Some of the most popular picks include VPN servers in Tokyo and Osaka, mainly because of their proximity to airports and the number of tourist attractions in the city.