How to Watch HBO Max in Japan in 2024

HBO Max, with exclusives like The White Lotus and House of the Dragon, is limited to the US and select countries, excluding Canada. This restriction poses a challenge for fans wishing to watch HBO Max in Japan, missing out on its latest hits.

Fortunately, accessing HBO Max in Japan is possible through a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. By connecting to a server in the US, you can bypass geo-blocks and enjoy HBO Max’s extensive content library from your home.

With many VPN choices available, I tested to identify those capable of unlocking HBO Max and providing stellar performance. Eager to discover how to watch HBO Max in Japan? Continue reading for my top 3 VPN picks that effectively do the job.

Why do You Need a VPN to Watch HBO Max in Japan?

You need a VPN to watch HBO Max in Japan and enjoy content like US Women’s Soccer vs Canada Live Sport because it is a geo-restricted streaming service.

When accessing HBO Max without a VPN in Japan, the service detects your IP address, illustrating why is HBO Max not in Japan due to regional content licensing agreements.

Accessing HBO Max without a VPN in Japan results in the following error message on your screen, confirming that HBO Max not available in Japan directly due to geo-restrictions.

“Sorry, HBO MAX isn’t available in your region yet.”

I faced the geo-restriction error while trying to watch HBO Max in Japan

A premium VPN like ExpressVPN, will mask and replace your IP address with a US IP address. This way, you can make HBO Max think you’re attempting to access the streaming platform in Japan.

Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Japan in 2024[Quick Summary]

Here are some of the best VPNs for HBO Max in Japan:

How Do I Sign Up For HBO Max in Japan?

You need to have a premium VPN to sign up for an HBO Max account in Japan. For HBO Max sign-up, follow these steps:

How Much is HBO Max in Japan?

The HBO Max Canada price varies depending on the subscription plan you choose. The subscription plans for the platform in Japan are as follows:

So, you asked Is HBO Max worth it? Yes, with 10,000 unlimited hours from various production houses, it is worth subscribing to. However, you may test HBO Max canada Free Trial through AT&T and Hulu if you are looking for how to get HBO Max free.

Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max in Japan in 2024

After testing 20+ VPNs for their speed, performance, and unblocking capabilities, I have shortlisted the best VPN for HBO Max in Japan. You can use them to unblock the streaming platform instantly.

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN to Watch HBO Max in Japan

It is the recommended VPN to watch HBO Max in Japan because it offers high-speed servers and has premium features.

ExpressVPN New York server lets you watch HBO Max’s content without buffering.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in around 105 countries and US servers in 25 server locations. With the help of these highly optimized servers, without any hassle and buffering problems.

Using ExpressVPN’s New York server, I experienced bufferless streaming on HBO Max Canada, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

On a 100 Mbps base connection, ExpressVPN provided incredibly fast results.

During the speed test, this VPN delivered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps without any hassle.

MediaStreamer DNS is another best feature of ExpressVPN. It lets you watch your favorite sports, including Manchester City vs Bayern Munich Champions League, on HBO Max abroad without encrypting your data. This V

so has features like ad and threat blocking.

ExpressVPN can be used on all mainstream devices and OS. So, you can easily get the HBO max app canada for PC, Android, iOS, Fire Stick, Windows, etc. In addition, it offers 5 simultaneous connections.

Exclusive Deal:

For Streamingrant readers, ExpressVPN is available for JPY 1026.85 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, and customers are entitled to a 30-day full money refund guarantee.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN to Watch HBO Max in Japan

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for watching HBO Max Canada. It costs only JPY 383.34 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee and offers unlimited simultaneous connections to share your account with your friends and family.

I used the Buffalo server of Surfshark and watch HBO Max buffer-free.

Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100+ countries and 600+ servers in 23+ US locations. For testing, if Surfshark works with HBO Max, I linked up with the Buffalo server and watched buffer-free.

My speed testing on a 100 Mbps internet connection offered a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps.

Surfshark offered a quick streaming performance over a 100 Mbps connection.

All the servers of Surfshark are protected with AES 256-bit encryption. In addition, it has incredible features like Kill Switch, CleanWeb, and a no-logs policy.

The device compatibility of this VPN service makes it easy for you to get the HBO Max Windows app, along with different operating systems like macOS, Android, and iOS.

Exclusive Deal:

For Streamingrant readers, this reliable VPN is available for JPY 383.34 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support for assistance.

3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN to Watch HBO Max in Japan

NordVPN has the largest server network to watch HBO Max in Japan, as it offers an extensive range of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries and has 1970+ US servers in 15+ locations.

It has fast-speed servers to watch HBO Max shows and movies.

For streaming USMNT vs Serbia on HBO Max Canada, I used the NordVPN US server #9360 and was amazed by the speed as I enjoyed bufferless streaming.

On my 100 Mbps internet connection, it delivered a download speed of 85.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.42 Mbps.

For uninterrupted 4K viewing, NordVPN provides excellent speed.

NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections to share your account and watch streaming services.

All of the servers of NordVPN are protected with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and they guarantee no IP or DNS leaks.

The app of this VPN service to compatible with watching live matches of USWNT vs New Zealand or Lakers vs Nuggets on iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Fire Stick, Roku, Chromecast, and Smart TVs.

Exclusive Deal:

For Streamingrant readers, NordVPN costs JPY 614.26 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, with 30 days money-back guarantee.

How to Choose the Best VPN for HBO Max in Japan?

There are two key factors to keep in mind: whether it unblocks the streaming service and how effective it is for streaming in general. The following were the primary factors I looked at while selecting HBO Max VPN:

Can I Use a Free VPN to Unblock HBO Max in Japan?

A free VPN can technically unblock HBO Max in Japan, but it’s generally not recommended because of slow speeds and various limitations. Overcrowding on servers can degrade streaming quality. Moreover, free VPNs are often criticized for logging user activities and selling that information to advertisers.

For the best streaming experience, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is advised for watching HBO Max in Japan, ensuring smooth and high-quality access to your favorite shows.

How Do I Pay for Max in Japan?

Due to geo-restrictions, HBO Max doesn’t accept direct payments in Japan. You can only pay with a credit card on their website.

For alternative methods, including using Apple Store/Google Play credits, see our guide on how to pay for HBO Max in Japan. Sign up via the HBO Max app Canada for mobile or smart TV app for other payment options.

Does HBO Max Accept Prepaid Cards in Japan?

Yes, HBO Max accepts prepaid cards. However, remember that you must have set automatic recurring payments and that your prepaid must have been issued in Japan.

If not, use a friend’s American credit card to pay for HBO Max. You can follow these steps to pay for HBO Max in Japan via prepaid card.

Can I Pay for HBO Max with a Credit Card in Japan?

Yes, you can pay for HBO Max with a credit card. However, please remember that your credit card must be issued in the United States, and automatic recurring payments must be enabled.

Otherwise, you must borrow a friend’s US credit card to pay for HBO Max. You can follow these steps to pay for HBO Max via credit card.

Can I Pay for HBO Max with a Gift Card in Japan?

Yes, a digital gift card can pay for your HBO Max subscription. The simplest way to do this is through Mygiftcardsupply’s site, which does not require you to use a US payment method.

You can follow these steps to pay for a subscription using an HBO Max gift card.

Can I Pay for HBO Max with Apple Pay in Japan?

Yes, you can pay for HBO Max with Apple Pay in Japan. However, you must create a new Apple ID to pay for HBO Max through Apple Pay. You can follow these steps to pay for HBO Max via Apple Pay.

Can I Pay for HBO Max with Google Pay in Japan?

Yes, you can pay for HBO Max with Google Play in Japan. However, you must create a US Google account first. Follow these steps to pay for HBO Max via Google Pay.

Why does HBO Max keep Buffering while using a VPN?

Does HBO Max work with VPN? You could occasionally have trouble connecting to HBO while using a VPN. Here are some things you could try if your VPN is not working with Max. You can even use these hacks if HBO Max is not available in the US due to uncertain glitches:

Is Discovery Plus now Max?

Warner Bros. Discovery has merged HBO Max with Discovery+, rebranding it as Max, and now combines content from both HBO and Discovery+. This integration enhances Max’s offering with a wide selection of shows, movies, and some of the best TV animes available in Japan.

The rebranding strategy aims to expand its programming and appeal to a wider audience, capitalizing on the diverse content lineup to attract and retain subscribers.

What Devices Are HBO Max Compatible With?

HBO Max content is accessible on multiple devices, such as smartphones and smart TVs, addressing the query of when will hbo max be available in Japan with broad device support.

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!