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Quick answer: For most travellers to Japan, either service works well. Choose NordVPN if you want the larger server network, the faster proprietary protocol in independent speed tests, and a heavier security bundle, and you only need to cover a handful of devices. Choose Surfshark if you want to protect an unlimited number of devices on one subscription and you tend to find its two-year pricing cheaper. Both are audited no-logs services with servers in Tokyo, both are legal to use in Japan, and — worth knowing — both are now owned by the same parent group, Nord Security, though they run on separate infrastructure.
This comparison separates verified facts (with sources) from our editorial read and from a final recommendation. Product facts — especially pricing and server counts — change; each is dated, and you should confirm the current position on the vendor's own site before buying.
NordVPN vs Surfshark at a glance
| NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices [1] | Unlimited [2] |
| Operating jurisdiction | Panama [3] | Netherlands (within Nine Eyes) [4] |
| Parent company | Nord Security [5] | Nord Security — merged 2022; run independently [5] |
| No-logs assurance | Independent engagements; 6th by Deloitte, report Dec 2025 [6] | RAM-only fleet; no-logs assurance reports 2023 and 2025 [7] |
| Fastest protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based; post-quantum since 2025) [8] | WireGuard (post-quantum by default); Dausos proprietary, macOS only [9] |
| Servers in Japan | Yes, incl. a Tokyo location [10] | 80 servers in Tokyo [11] |
| Ad/tracker/malware blocking | Threat Protection (all plans) / Threat Protection Pro (Plus+) [12] | CleanWeb [2] |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days [6] | 30 days (+ 7-day app trial) [13] |
| Global network size | Larger (vendor publishes live count) [14] | 4,500+ servers, 100 countries [15] |
Sources are numbered and listed at the end. Table values verified 31 August 2026.
Our read: the headline contrast is device coverage vs network scale and speed. Surfshark's unlimited connections is the single clearest reason to prefer it; NordVPN's larger network and its NordLynx protocol are the clearest reasons to prefer it. Almost everything else is close.
NordVPN for Japan travellers
Verified facts. NordVPN is operated under the jurisdiction of Panama, which has no mandatory data-retention law for VPNs and sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes arrangements [3]. Its no-logs practices have been through repeated independent assurance engagements — the first two by PwC Switzerland and more recent ones by Deloitte, the sixth of which was carried out in November–December 2025 with the report issued on 12 December 2025 [6]. A single subscription covers up to 10 devices [1]. The app offers NordLynx (built on WireGuard, and given post-quantum encryption support in 2025), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordWhisper for traffic obfuscation [8]. Security features include a kill switch, Threat Protection (DNS-level ad, tracker and malicious-domain blocking on every plan, active while connected) and Threat Protection Pro on the Plus tier and above (malware file scanning, phishing and scam detection, vulnerability scanning and URL trimming, working independently of the VPN tunnel), plus Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet, obfuscated servers and an optional dedicated IP [12]. NordVPN runs servers in Japan, including a Tokyo location that advertises obfuscation and P2P support [10]. NordVPN publishes its live global server count on its own site; it is the larger of the two networks [14]. The service has a 30-day money-back guarantee [6].
Our read: NordVPN is the stronger pick if you want one app that also does the job of an ad blocker and a light anti-malware layer, or if you specifically want obfuscation and Double VPN options while travelling. NordLynx has been the faster protocol in repeated independent testing, which matters if you plan to stream or video-call over the VPN from Japan. The main limitation is the 10-device cap — fine for a solo traveller or a couple, tighter for a family or a group trip where phones, tablets, laptops and a travel router add up.
Surfshark for Japan travellers
Verified facts. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands — no mandatory data-retention law for VPNs, but the Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and is subject to EU GDPR [4]. Surfshark merged with Nord Security in 2022; both companies state the brands operate independently on separate infrastructure [5]. The server fleet is RAM-only (wiped on every reboot), and Surfshark has published no-logs assurance reports in 2023 and 2025, with earlier infrastructure audits by Cure53 and Deloitte [7]. A subscription covers an unlimited number of devices [2]. Protocols are WireGuard (auto-selected in many cases, with post-quantum protection by default), OpenVPN, IKEv2 (removed from the Windows app but still possible via manual configuration), and Dausos, Surfshark's proprietary protocol, which is currently macOS-only [9]. Features include CleanWeb (ad, banner, pop-up and tracker blocking with malware and phishing warnings), MultiHop including Dynamic MultiHop (choose your own entry and exit), obfuscated servers, Bypasser split tunnelling, Rotating IP, a kill switch, and a NoBorders mode for restrictive networks [2]. Surfshark lists 4,500+ servers across 100 countries, and states it "runs 80 servers in Tokyo, Japan" [11][15]. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, plus a 7-day free trial through the mobile apps or when paying by PayPal or card on the 12- and 24-month plans [13].
Our read: Surfshark's unlimited-device policy is genuinely useful for a family trip or anyone travelling with a lot of hardware — you cover everyone on one plan without counting slots. Its Tokyo presence is clearly stated and RAM-only. The proprietary Dausos protocol is not yet a factor for most travellers because it only runs on macOS; on Windows, Android and iOS you are on WireGuard, which is excellent but is also what NordLynx is based on. Being inside the Nine Eyes is not a practical problem given the audited no-logs posture and RAM-only servers, but privacy purists weigh it.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: speed and connection experience
Verified facts. Both services' fastest everyday protocol is based on WireGuard — NordLynx for NordVPN [8], and WireGuard itself for Surfshark [9]. Both have added post-quantum protection to that protocol [8][9]. Surfshark's Dausos is a separate proprietary protocol, but it is macOS-only at present [9].
Our read: on paper the two are close, because they share the same underlying protocol technology on most platforms. In the independent speed testing that review outlets publish, NordVPN's NordLynx has tended to come out ahead, particularly on long-distance connections — which is the relevant case if you are connecting back to a home country from Japan. For connecting to a Japanese server while you are in Japan (low latency, short hop), both will feel fast on a decent hotel or mobile connection. Real-world speed depends more on your local network, the specific server, and the time of day than on the brand.
Streaming while travelling in Japan
Verified facts. Both services market the ability to access streaming catalogues from other regions, and both run servers in Japan and in most countries a traveller would want to connect back to [10][11][15]. Neither service, and neither GMS, can guarantee that any specific streaming platform will keep working over any specific VPN — platforms actively change how they detect VPN traffic.
Our read: if your goal in Japan is to keep watching your home country's streaming services, either VPN is a reasonable bet, and the 30-day money-back guarantee on both means you can test your specific services risk-free before committing [6][13]. Have a fallback plan (a server switch, a different protocol) and do not buy a long plan solely for one streaming service. For the mechanics of this, see our companion piece on how NordVPN performs in Japan specifically.
Privacy and security
Verified facts. NordVPN: Panama jurisdiction, outside 5/9/14 Eyes; repeated independent no-logs assurance engagements, most recently Deloitte in December 2025 [3][6]. Surfshark: Netherlands jurisdiction, within Nine Eyes; RAM-only fleet; no-logs assurance reports in 2023 and 2025 [4][7]. Both offer a kill switch, obfuscated servers and multi-hop routing [12][2]. Both are owned by Nord Security [5].
Our read: both clear the bar for a mainstream privacy tool: independently assured no-logs claims, modern protocols, and standard leak protections. NordVPN's Panama base is the marginally stronger position on paper, and its audit history is longer. Surfshark's RAM-only architecture is a meaningful mitigation of its Nine Eyes location. The shared parent company is worth knowing if your reason for choosing between them is to diversify away from a single provider — you cannot fully do that here.
Simultaneous connections and device use
Verified facts. NordVPN: up to 10 devices per subscription [1]. Surfshark: unlimited devices per subscription [2].
Our read: this is the clearest practical difference. Count your travelling devices — phones, laptops, tablets, an e-reader, a travel router that itself uses a slot. A solo traveller or couple will not hit NordVPN's limit. A family, a group trip, or anyone who wants to protect every device in the household while also covering their travel kit should lean Surfshark. Routing a travel router through the VPN effectively covers many devices through one connection, which softens NordVPN's cap if you go that way.
Pricing and overall value
Verified facts (USD, promotional two-year pricing, as accessed 31 August 2026 — confirm current pricing on each vendor's site):
- NordVPN two-year plan, per month averaged over the term: Basic ≈ $3.09, Plus ≈ $3.59, Complete ≈ $4.99, Prime ≈ $6.99, billed upfront; the current promotion bills the term as 27 months. Monthly plan ≈ $13. Renews higher. 30-day money-back guarantee. [16]
- Surfshark two-year plan: Starter from ≈ $2.49/month; month-to-month Starter ≈ $16.45; Starter renews at ≈ $79/year after the intro term. Higher tiers (One, One+) add antivirus, breach alerts and data-removal. 30-day money-back guarantee plus a 7-day trial. [17][13]
Our read: both are inexpensive on a two-year commitment and both jump in price at renewal, so treat the first term as the real cost and diarise the renewal date. Surfshark's entry plan is often the cheaper headline, and with unlimited devices the per-device cost is lower still for a household. NordVPN's value case is the bundle — if you would otherwise pay for an ad blocker, a password manager (Plus) or encrypted storage (Complete), the higher tiers can be worth it. Pricing is regional and changes frequently; the figures above are a snapshot, not a quote.
Which VPN should you choose?
Choose NordVPN if…
- You want the larger server network and the protocol that tends to win independent long-distance speed tests.
- You want security extras in one app — ad/tracker blocking, anti-malware, Double VPN, obfuscation.
- You are covering a manageable number of devices (roughly up to 10).
- Jurisdiction matters to you and you prefer Panama and the longer audit history.
You can start a NordVPN plan through the link below; it is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it from Japan before committing.
Choose Surfshark if…
- You need to protect an unlimited number of devices on one subscription — a family or group trip is the classic case.
- Its two-year price is the cheaper option when you check both sites.
- You want a 7-day trial to test before paying.
- You are comfortable with a Netherlands / Nine Eyes base, mitigated by the RAM-only fleet and audited no-logs reports.
(Surfshark is not a GMS affiliate partner, so there is no sign-up link here — go to surfshark.com directly.)
You may not need a VPN if…
- You are only using well-known apps and websites over HTTPS on your own mobile data (a Japanese eSIM or roaming), not public Wi-Fi.
- You have no need to access home-country streaming or services while away.
- Your employer already provides a corporate VPN for work access — in which case use that for work and decide separately about personal browsing. See whether you need a VPN for remote work from Japan.
Using a VPN in Japan is legal for personal and business use; Japan does not restrict VPN technology, and the internet there is largely open. A VPN does not make an otherwise-illegal activity legal.
FAQ
Is it legal to use NordVPN or Surfshark in Japan? Yes. Japan places no restrictions on VPN technology for personal or business use. The legality of what you do over the connection is unchanged by the VPN.
Do both have servers in Japan? Yes. Surfshark states it runs 80 servers in Tokyo [11]. NordVPN operates servers in Japan including a Tokyo location [10].
Are NordVPN and Surfshark the same company? They share a parent — Surfshark merged with Nord Security in 2022 — but the two brands operate independently on separate infrastructure [5].
Which is faster in Japan? Both use WireGuard-based protocols on most platforms, so they are close. NordVPN's NordLynx has tended to lead in independent long-distance speed tests, which is the relevant case for connecting from Japan back to a home country [8][9].
How many devices can I connect? NordVPN: up to 10 per subscription [1]. Surfshark: unlimited [2].
Can I rely on either for streaming? Both market streaming access and both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so test your specific services first [6][13]. No VPN can guarantee a given platform keeps working.
Which should a solo traveller pick? Either. Default to NordVPN for the network and speed; pick Surfshark if its price is lower when you check or you want the 7-day trial.
Related GMS guides
- Our broader guide to choosing a VPN for Japan
- How NordVPN performs in Japan specifically
- Whether you need a VPN for remote work from Japan
Sources
- NordVPN Help Centre, "What features does NordVPN have?" — https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19559429814545-What-features-does-NordVPN-have (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "Features" — https://surfshark.com/features (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "A leading no-log VPN for online privacy" — https://nordvpn.com/features/no-log-vpn/ (accessed 2026-08-31 via search summary)
- Surfshark, "Trust Center" — https://surfshark.com/trust-center (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "Nord Security joins forces with Surfshark" — https://nordvpn.com/blog/nord-security-surfshark-merger-agreement/ ; CyberInsider, "Surfshark to Merge with Nord Security" — https://cyberinsider.com/surfshark-merger-with-nord-security/ (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "NordVPN passes sixth no-logs assurance engagement" — https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-no-logs-assurance-engagement-2025/ (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "No-logs VPN" — https://surfshark.com/features/no-logs ; Surfshark Trust Center (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "NordLynx protocol" — https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordlynx-protocol-wireguard/ ; NordVPN Help Centre, "What is NordLynx" (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "Surfshark VPN protocols: Dausos, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2" — https://surfshark.com/features/surfshark-vpn-protocols (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "Tokyo VPN servers" — https://nordvpn.com/servers/japan/tokyo/ (page confirmed; body not machine-readable on 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "VPN servers in Japan" — https://surfshark.com/servers/japan (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "NordVPN bundles explained" — https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-bundle-explained/ ; NordVPN Help Centre, "What features does NordVPN have?" (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "Surfshark VPN plans explained" — https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-vpn-plans (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN server list — https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19383127694225-Where-can-I-find-the-NordVPN-server-list (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark, "VPN servers" — https://surfshark.com/servers (accessed 2026-08-31)
- NordVPN, "NordVPN plans and pricing in 2026 explained" — https://nordvpn.com/blog/how-much-does-nordvpn-cost/ ; cross-checked against cybernews.com and security.org pricing trackers (accessed 2026-08-31)
- Surfshark pricing — https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-vpn-plans ; gizmodo.com/best-vpn/surfshark/pricing ("prices accurate as of July 30, 2026") (accessed 2026-08-31)
Compiled 31 August 2026. Pricing, server counts and plan features change frequently — confirm on each vendor's own site before purchase.
