What's blocked in Japan
All major apps work; some services like Hulu and Binance run separate Japanese versions.
- WhatsApp: Works
- Voice & video calls: Works
- Telegram: Works
- Signal: Works
- Discord: Works
- Facebook: Works
- Instagram: Works
- X (Twitter): Works
- TikTok: Works
- YouTube: Works
- Google: Works
- Works
- Age-gated
- Partly blocked
- Slowed down
- Blocked
App by app
None of the 41 apps we track is blocked or restricted in Japan right now.
Not offered in Japan
These companies don't sell their service here. That's a business or sanctions decision, not government censorship.
Working normally
Social media
Games
The 3 VPNs that fit Japan
Our assessment, plus what visitors in Japan are reporting this week.
Picked for streaming and everyday privacy.
NordVPN
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
ExpressVPN
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Surfshark
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs CyberGhost, Private Internet Access and Proton VPN
CyberGhost
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Private Internet Access
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Proton VPN
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We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money
What's going on
Japan does not block apps. Several global services operate local editions instead, such as Hulu Japan and Binance Japan, so content and features differ from other countries.
Before you connect: Mostly used for privacy and to reach home streaming libraries while visiting.
Is a VPN legal in Japan?
Legal
VPNs are legal.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions people ask
Are any apps blocked in Japan?
None of the 41 apps we track is fully blocked in Japan right now. All major apps work; some services like Hulu and Binance run separate Japanese versions.
Which streaming and online services are not available in Japan?
HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, JioHotstar and Binance are not offered in Japan. That is the companies' decision, often because of licensing or sanctions.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Japan?
Legal. VPNs are legal.
Which VPN works in Japan?
Our picks for Japan are NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Check the live votes on this page for this week's results.
Report a block
Seeing something different in Japan? An editor reviews every report before the page changes.