A VPN hides your IP address, making it appear as though your device is located somewhere else. Connecting to a Japanese VPN server lets you access Google Play like you were in the country. ExpressVPN is the best for accessing Google Play Japan. With 4 server locations, fast speeds, and top security, it’s simple to connect. Plus, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you change your mind, you can get a full refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology. Access Google Play Japan with ExpressVPN
Easy Guide: How to Access Google Play Japan From Anywhere
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Download Apps on the Japanese Google Play Store
The easiest way to download apps on Google Play Japan is to create a new Google Play account. You can use this alongside your existing account and switch between the 2 when needed. While it’s possible to change your region to Japan if you have a Google Play account already, I advise against this — you can’t change your region back for 1 year and you’ll lose access to any existing funds or gift cards. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Google Play Japan (Tested in 2025)
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Google Play Japan App Downloads
Key Features: ExpressVPN’s fast speeds make it ideal for connecting to the Japanese Play Store and downloading apps. During tests, my speed drop was so small I didn’t notice a difference, which is particularly impressive when Japan’s servers are over 9,500km from my location. Downloads completed just as quick as if I were connected to my local Play Store. For quick connections to Google Play Japan, ExpressVPN has a Shortcuts feature. Here, you can add Google Play to access it in 1 click once you’ve connected to a server. This makes it even easier to start browsing apps and games, and it took me less than a minute to set up the shortcut. To keep your app downloads and personal information safe, ExpressVPN has a host of security and privacy features, including:
Military-grade encryption — keeps data and billing information secure when connecting to and downloading apps on Google Play Japan. Kill switch — prevents data from being exposed if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted. Data leak protection — stops DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks from revealing your true location to Google Play. Zero-logs policy — independent audits show ExpressVPN never logs or stores personally-identifiable data.
The only downside is ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other services. The best-value plan is the 2-year + 4 months free subscription and it costs $$4.994.99 a month. In my view, it’s worth the small investment for the huge range of top-tier features and reliable connections to the Japanese Play Store. You can try ExpressVPN with Google Play Japan risk-free as it’s backed by a 2-year + 4 months free-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, it’s simple to get a refund — I contacted an agent using the 24/7 live chat and my request was processed with no questions asked. I had my money back in 5 days. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2. CyberGhost — Smart Rules Configuration Auto-Connects to Google Japan Server
Key Features: CyberGhost’s Smart Rules are configurable to auto-connect to a Japanese server, making it quick and easy to access Google Play Japan. I found it easy to set up the automatic connections in less than a minute, after which I didn’t have to worry about remembering to connect — CyberGhost did it for me. With a compact and intuitive Android app, CyberGhost is a top choice for both beginner and advanced VPN users. Your connections to Google Play Japan are protected by many security and privacy features, including the following:
Military-grade encryption — ensures your purchase data is protected with the highest level of security, keeping your financial information safe from prying eyes. Data leak protection — safeguards sensitive data (like payment details or your true location) from accidental exposure. WiFi protection — automatically secures your connection when using Google Play Japan on public WiFi networks, protecting against potential threats in vulnerable environments. Zero-log privacy policy — CyberGhost commits to not keeping any logs of your online activities, ensuring that your privacy is maintained at all times.
However, it’s important to note that CyberGhost is slower than ExpressVPN, especially over long-distance connections. I experienced a drop in speed of 30% — while this didn’t impact my connection, it could affect yours if your network is slow and you’re far from Japan. I recommend using the WireGuard protocol to get faster speeds and top security. With a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost with Google Play Japan risk-free. Plus, its plans start at just $2.19 per month, making it an affordable option. Once I finished testing the app, I contacted customer support to cancel. It took less than 5 minutes over the 24/7 live chat and I had my refund in less than a week. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
3. Private Internet Access — Large Server Network for Uninterrupted Connections to Google Play Japan
Key Features: Despite having a single server location in Japan, PIA’s huge network ensures there are hundreds of IP addresses for connecting to Google Play Japan. During tests, I didn’t struggle to access the app, even at peak traffic times like evenings and weekends. There was always enough bandwidth for an uninterrupted connection. While there’s only 1 location, PIA has 2 connection options in Japan, and 1 is an optimized streaming server. I found the streaming server is faster than the standard server — my speeds dropped 35% with the optimized server compared to 69% with the standard server. I recommend using the optimized server for faster app downloads when visiting Google Play. To keep your app downloads and purchase information secure, PIA has:
Customizable encryption — choose between 128-bit for faster download speeds, or 256-bit for heightened security when buying apps. Automatic kill switch — cuts access to the internet if the VPN is interrupted, ensuring your data is always secure.
Unfortunately, PIA drained my battery life considerably while I was connected to a Japanese server. I noticed a drop of more than 10% while downloading an app, which was more than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. If you have an older device, this could cause a more significant drain on your battery life. I think it’s worth trying PIA with Google Play Japan, especially as it’s one of the most affordable monthly VPNs — plans start at just $2.19/month. Plus, it’s risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested the refund procedure, the 24/7 live chat agent processed my request and I had my money back in under a week. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Japan in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Google Play Japan
I tested the leading VPNs on the market in 2025 and ranked them against the following criteria to find the top services for Google Play Japan:
Fast servers in Japan — In order to guarantee swift and reliable connections, I checked each VPN for its server availability in Japan and carried out multiple speed tests. Strong security and privacy features — every recommended VPN has military-grade encryption, data leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict zero-logs policy. These measures safeguard your personal information and billing details, ensuring they remain secure and anonymous. Android compatibility — I looked for easy-to-use VPN apps for smartphones and tablets, plus smart TVs, Windows, Mac, and iOS, and you can set up a VPN connection on your smart TV, game console, or router. 24/7 customer support — I tested each VPN’s 24/7 customer service to ensure prompt responses to questions and queries — I expected a live chat response in less than 5 minutes. Money-back guarantee — each VPN has a money-back guarantee that lets you test the service risk-free, so you can make sure it’s right for your needs.
Access Google Play Japan Worldwide With a High-Quality VPN
With so many exclusive apps, you don’t want to face blocks when trying to access the Japanese Play Store. Fortunately, a VPN can give you a Japanese IP address so you can connect to Google Play Japan. You’ll need to set your account region to Japan, and this is only possible if Google detects that your IP address is in Japan. By using a VPN, you mask your true IP address with one from a Japanese VPN server. Google Play detects this IP address and allows you to use a Japanese account to access the apps and content available in the store. Make sure you clear your Google Play data and cache before launching the app, as this could contain conflicting location data that blocks you from accessing Google Play Japan. While it’s legal to use a VPN to connect to Google Play in other countries, it goes against Google’s Terms of Service to use a VPN to navigate around geographical restrictions. My team and I don’t recommend going against Google Play’s Terms of Service, so please be aware of all rules and regulations before connecting to Google Play with a VPN. Although you’ll only be able to install and use free apps this way, it’s a great option if you don’t have access to a valid payment method. If you’d like to purchase paid Google Play apps on the Japanese storefront, you’ll need to add a regional payment method to your account or purchase a gift card with local currency (if available). Even the top free VPNs in 2025 aren’t suitable as they lack Japanese servers, have data caps, and restrict your speed. I suggest you try a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, as you’ll get fast speeds for downloading and secure connections to the Japanese Play Store. If you’re not fully satisfied, it’s simple to get a full refund. ExpressVPN is the top choice for Google Play Japan, with high-speed servers and an easy-to-use Android app. It’s also a safe VPN with a strict zero-log policy and military-grade encryption to protect your data and billing information. ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied you can get a full refund. I tested the process myself and it only took a couple of minutes for my refund to be approved over 24/7 live chat. I had my money back in just 5 days.
Summary — Best VPNs for Google Play Japan in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.