Flying a Drone in Japan: How to Apply for Permissions and More
If you're a photography enthusiast like us, chances are you own a drone to capture breathtaking aerial shots of landscapes, mountains, and cultural landmarks. Japan, with its stunning scenery and unique architecture, is a dream destination for drone pilots. However, Japan has strict drone regulations, and failing to comply can result in hefty fines or even legal action.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about flying a drone in Japan, from obtaining the necessary permits to understanding the local flight rules.
What to Do Before Arriving in Japan
Before you can fly any drone in Japan, including small ones like our DJI Mini 4 Pro, you must register and apply for permission through Japan’s aviation authorities. It can be a bit confusing, so let’s get through all the main steps to consider together:
Step 1: Register Your Drone Online
Visit Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau Drone Registration Portal and click on the "Register Online" button. You'll need to create an individual account and agree to the terms of use (that means scrolling and reading everything).
Step 2: Submit Personal and Drone Information
Enter your name and surname (make sure you use Katakana for the "Reading" field—convert your name here).
Provide your passport details and an additional ID with your home address (such as a driver's license) for verification. Make sure you add at least one document with your address, since we had to revise our application because of this.
Register your drone by entering its serial number, it can usually be found in the battery compartment.
Indicate whether you own the drone or are applying on behalf of someone else. If it’s the second option, make sure you add all the details of the owner.
Step 3: Identity Verification
The system will generate a QR code that you must scan on your smartphone (it has to be on your phone!). You'll need to take photos of yourself and your ID for verification. Again, providing a secondary ID with your address is recommended to avoid application rejection.
Step 4: Application Submission & Approval
After submitting your details, you’ll receive an email with your application status.
Within two days, you should receive either payment instructions to finalize the process or a request to correct any errors.
When you complete the payment, the review process begins (approval is not guaranteed, so we recommend you apply at least two weeks in advance before arriving to Japan).
Once approved, you’ll receive your permission slip, allowing you to legally fly your drone in Japan.
Where Can You Fly Your Drone in Japan?
Even with permission, you cannot fly anywhere you want. Japan has strict regulations regarding drone usage, especially in populated or tourist-heavy areas, so please make sure you always respect them and check them in advance!
General Flight Rules
No night flights without special permission.
No flying over crowds or events with a high number of people.
Keep your drone within your line of sight at all times.
For specific tourist locations and restricted areas, additional permits are normally required. For example:
Temples and Shrines: Usually off-limits! Always double check before you go and respect the signs onsite.
Parks and Public Spaces: Often require city-specific permits.
Urban Areas: Flying in densely populated areas like Tokyo is generally prohibited.
To check no-fly zones and restricted areas, use DJI’s built-in geo-zones feature (if like us you have a DJI drone) or refer to Japan’s official flight permission guide. You can also use an app we also use a lot and can definitely recommend: Drone Maps Japan app.
Creating a Flight Map & Applying for Extra Permissions
If you plan to fly in restricted zones or need special permissions (e.g., night flights, urban areas), you must submit a flight plan and request additional approval prior.
How to Create a Flight Map
Use Japan’s DIPS (Drone Information Platform System) to create a detailed flight map.
Indicate your takeoff and landing locations, planned altitude, and flight path.
Ensure compliance with Japan’s aviation rules before submission.
Extra Permission Application Process
Log into the DIPS system and submit a detailed flight plan.
Explain why you are flying in restricted areas (is it for business purposes? Or as a hobby?)
Expect a review process that can take several days to approve for this one, so make sure to plan this in advance.
Keep a copy of the granted permission on hand when flying to avoid issues with authorities. You can easily print it at any convenience store!
So, all in all, flying a drone in Japan requires advance planning and a strict following of all the rules and regulations. By registering your drone, applying for necessary permissions, and understanding the country’s flight restrictions, you can enjoy capturing Japan’s breathtaking landscapes without any legal trouble.
Always check for additional permits if you plan to fly near famous landmarks, and remember—safety and compliance come first, especially when you are a visitor in this beautiful country!
For the latest updates on drone regulations, you can always visit Japan’s official aviation website.
Have a nice flight!!
