Technically, a VPN can change your IP address to one from Japan, which would allow you to watch NHK on demand from anywhere. You may find that lots of VPNs don’t work to access the site because NHK blocks VPN IPs to protect these agreements. Also, using a VPN this way goes against NHK’s terms of service and could be considered copyright infringement. The Wizcase team doesn’t condone using a VPN to break rules. If you still want to use a VPN for protection and stream NHK at the same time, our extensive tests found the best VPNs that work with NHK streams. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching NHK. It offers fast speeds and reliable servers in Japan. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can watch NHK with ExpressVPN without financial risk, knowing that you have the option to get a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied. 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. Watch NHK in HD
Quick Guide: Watch NHK on Demand With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching NHK on Demand
Selecting the right VPN to watch NHK on Demand can be challenging. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
Server Locations — choose a VPN with reliable servers in Japan for consistent NHK on-demand streaming. Connection Speeds — fast connection speeds are crucial for a smooth streaming experience. Opt for a VPN with high-speed servers to minimize buffering and lag. Device Compatibility — make sure the VPN supports your preferred streaming devices, such as PCs, smartphones, or smart TV devices. Security Features — robust security features, like 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch, are essential for keeping your online activities secure. Simultaneous Connections — to use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously, look for a provider that offers at least 5 or more connections. Customer Support — reliable customer support ensures that you can quickly resolve any issues you may encounter. Money-Back Guarantee — opt for a VPN that offers a proven money-back guarantee, so you can test the service before committing to a long-term subscription.
The Best VPNs to Watch NHK on Demand in 2025
1. ExpressVPN — Lightning-Fast Speeds for Seamless NHK on Demand Streaming
Key Features: ExpressVPN has exceptional speeds, making it the ideal choice for streaming NHK content without any buffering. During my tests, I found that ExpressVPN had average speeds of 300Mbps. This was more than enough to stream content in UHD without interruptions (and 30% faster than the second-placed VPN on this list). There are 4+ Japan server locations, meaning less risk of congestion. If one server isn’t performing well for you, simply switch to another. ExpressVPN has upgraded most of its servers to 10Gbps, meaning it has greater speeds and bandwidth capabilities. This makes it a perfect choice for streaming NHK with seamless connections. You can connect 8 devices at a time, which means you can set up ExpressVPN on all your mobile devices, ensuring you have constant protection while you’re moving through public WiFi in hotels, airports, and restaurants. When it comes to security, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology keeps your data private. This technology runs servers on RAM rather than hard drives, ensuring that no data is stored on physical disks. It also offers the following features to keep you secure online:
AES 256-bit encryption — scrambles your traffic to make it unreadable. Network Lock kill switch — stops your true details from being visible if the VPN disconnects. Independently audited no-logs policy — user traffic is never stored. DNS leak protection — prevents DNS exposure outside the VPN tunnel.
The service does have a minor downside — it’s the most expensive option on this list. Nevertheless, its exceptional streaming capabilities and general ease of use make it worth the price. You can also get the best deal of $$4.994.99 per month with the 2-year + 4 months free subscription. You can buy ExpressVPN in confidence as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied, simply request a full refund. I tested this policy via live chat and my cancellation was approved without any follow-up questions. The money was back in my account 5 days later. 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 — Optimized Streaming Servers for a Smooth NHK Experience
Key Features: In my tests, I had average speeds of 225Mbps, making it the perfect choice for watching NHK. Superfast speeds mean you get to enjoy an uninterrupted stream in UHD quality (where available), with no lag. Note that you’ll get better speeds the closer you are to the server. Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has an intuitive user interface, so you can quickly get connected to the right server for the job at hand. However, CyberGhost takes it a step further by displaying precise distance as well as latency on some servers. This can be especially useful when choosing the best option for streaming in countries with limited server numbers. In terms of security, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are its standout feature. These servers are owned and operated by CyberGhost itself, ensuring complete control over the hardware and data, and resulting in better privacy protection. On top of this, it also offers several other robust features to keep you secure while streaming NHK:
Military-strength 256-bit encryption — military-grade encryption for data security. Always-on kill switch — blocks your traffic during VPN interruptions to keep your data secure. Independently audited no-logs policy — means your data can’t be kept or sold to third parties. DNS and IP leak protection — secures your DNS requests and IP address.
One drawback of CyberGhost is its expensive 1-month plan which only gives you a short money-back guarantee. However, it offers more affordable longer-term options, like the 2-year + 2 months subscription for just $2.19/month that provides excellent value for money. When you choose its long-term plan, you can try CyberGhost risk-free since it offers a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee. I tried its refund policy through live chat and was impressed by how smooth it was, with zero questions asked. My money was back in my bank account within 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 (PIA) — Japan Streaming-Optimized Server for Reliable Results
Key Features: With PIA’s “Streaming-Optimized” server for Japan, you can easily access NHK and multiple other streaming services based in the country. The VPN also has a substantial number of regular servers in Japan, ensuring a reliable connection to whichever Japanese content you’re after. Average speeds of 130Mbps made PIA the slowest of the top 3, but it still streamed from NHK with only minimal buffering. In fact, whether I chose the optimized or regular Japanese servers, my speeds remained high and well above the 25Mbps required for UHD streaming. You can rest assured that your data is secure, even passing through public WiFi hotspots. PIA subscriptions all come with:
Robust 256-bit encryption — provides superior data protection. Automatic kill switch — stops traffic if the VPN connection falters. Audited no-logs policy — online traffic data is never stored on a disk. DNS leak protection — secures DNS requests for privacy.
Although PIA has a user-friendly interface, it’s also jam-packed with various more complex settings that let you fine-tune its functionality. While advanced users should appreciate having more control over your VPN, beginners may find it a little overwhelming. However, its preconfigured settings are excellent, and there’s no need to change them if you don’t want to. A minor downside of PIA is that its headquarters is based in the US, a country that is part of the 5 Eyes data-sharing alliance. However, PIA’s strict no-log policy means that, even if the government requested user information, it would not have any to give. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you try PIA risk-free. I tested the refund policy via the live chat and received my money back in my bank account within 6 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 Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
4. PrivateVPN — Affordable Premium VPN with Powerful Server Performance for NHK Streaming
Key Features: PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable premium VPN for NHK without compromising on performance. Despite costing as little as $2.00 monthly with its 3-year plan, it manages to deliver powerful server performance with its Tokyo location, ensuring a seamless streaming experience. With an average speed of 75Mbps, PrivateVPN enables you to stream NHK content with minimal buffering. It’s a lot slower than the other VPNs on this list, but considering that UHD content only requires 25Mbps, it’s still more than capable. The user interface is clear and easy to navigate, with server latency information to help you choose the best server for NHK streaming. Security-wise, PrivateVPN offers a useful feature called Application Guard. This feature allows you to choose which applications use the VPN connection and which bypass it, providing a balance between security and convenience. Along with Application Guard, PrivateVPN offers:
AES 256-bit encryption — military-grade encryption for data security. Stealth VPN mode — bypasses VPN blocks in restricted countries. Independently audited no-logs policy — ensures no activity is saved. IPv6 and DNS leak protection — secures DNS requests and IP address.
One downside of PrivateVPN is its relatively small server network. However, considering its low price, it works out as incredible value for money in the premium VPN space (even making it one of the top monthly VPNs available). PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. To test out the refund policy, I sent an email to the support team. After 1 follow-up question, my request was approved, and I received the money back in my bank account within a week.
5. IPVanish — Clear User Interface for Easy Japan Server Selection
Key Features: Another reliable VPN for watching NHK on Demand, IPVanish has a clear and intuitive user interface that makes it easy to choose the best server for streaming. IPVanish’s dashboard provides details like server load and latency, helping you make informed decisions when selecting a server for NHK streaming. The VPN’s high average speeds of 295Mbps make it the second-fastest VPN I tested, and it ensured a smooth streaming experience on NHK. I was able to watch NHK without any interruptions and zero buffering. In terms of security, IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that none of your online activities are recorded or stored. Along with its no-logs policy, IPVanish also provides:
AES 256-bit encryption — secures your information with military-grade encryption. Kill switch — prevents personal data leaks during VPN disruptions. Scramble feature — obfuscates VPN traffic to access content that’s blocked on restrictive networks, like work or school. DNS leak protection — safeguards DNS requests and privacy.
Although IPVanish is compatible with many devices, it doesn’t offer Smart DNS functionality. However, it’s easy to set up a hotspot for consoles on a Windows or macOS device or to install the VPN on a router. This way, you can still use IPVanish on devices that don’t have native VPN app support. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free. I tested its refund policy and found the process to be incredibly simple, with a user-friendly online refund form. My request was immediately approved, and I had the money back in my account within 4 days.
How to Watch NHK on Demand on Different Devices
Here’s a quick guide on how to watch NHK on demand on different devices using a VPN.
Desktop and Laptop (Windows and macOS)
Smartphones and Tablets (Android and iOS)
Start Watching NHK on Demand With a VPN
It’s easy to keep up with your favorite Japanese shows thanks to NHK on Demand. In order to watch it safely and in the best possible quality, all you need is a top VPN. The perfect VPN provides you with fast streaming and top-tier security. After testing dozens of VPNs, ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice for NHK on Demand, offering blazing-fast speeds for lag-free streaming. You can try ExpressVPN with NHK on Demand risk-free. It was a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not fully satisfied.
Summary — These Are the Best VPNs to Watch NHK on Demand 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.