Drone Laws in Japan

Last updated on May 3rd, 2023 at 03:29 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Japan

Drone Regulator in Japan: Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism

Official website explaining Drone Rules in Japan: Flight Rules Explained (English)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Japan

The Japanese agency responsible for drone safety, JCAB, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Japan?

JCAB states that drone use is allowed in Japan, subject to strict JCAB regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Japan:

JCAB defines “UA/Drone” as an airplane, rotorcraft, glider, or airship that cannot accommodate anyone on board and can be remotely or automatically piloted. (Excluding those lighter than 200g. The weight of a UA/Drone includes that of its battery.)

Important Notice regarding registration and remote ID

The mandatory registration of Unmanned Aircraft became effective on June 20, 2022. No flights of unregistered Unmanned Aircraft weighing 100 g or more are allowed after June 20, 2022. Please be sure to register your Unmanned Aircraft. Also, Unmanned Aircraft of 100 g or more are subject to the control of the Civil Aeronautics Act, including the scope of the flight permission system from June 20, 2022.

In addition to displaying a registration ID on the Unmanned Aircraft, the aircraft must be equipped with a remote ID function. The RID equipment installed in the Unmanned Aircraft transmits the aircraft’s identification information via radio waves even during a flight, enabling you to identify whether or not it is registered and ensuring safe skies.

As of June 20th, 2022, all drones over the weight of 100 grams are required to be registered. Follow this link to register and pay the fee (900 to 2,400 yen for the first drone, depending on the application method). Your drone must also be equipped with a remote ID function or equipment.

Prohibited Airspace for Flight

Any person who intends to operate a UA/Drone in the following airspaces must obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

(A) Airspace around airports. (airspaces above approach surface, horizontal surface, transitional surface, extended approach surface, conical surface, and outer horizontal surface.)
* As of September 18, 2019, Airspace below the approach surface, transitional surface, and above the airport premises is added to a no-fly zone at the following airports; New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Tokyo International Airport, Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Naha Airport.
(B) Airspace at or above 150m above ground level.
(C) Above Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) defined and published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

* For further details of (B) and (C), please refer to
http://maps.gsi.go.jp/#8/35.563512/140.339355/&base=std&ls=std%7Cdid2010%7Ckokuarea&disp=111&lcd=kokuarea&vs=c1j0l0u0f0&d=vl. 
http://maps.gsi.go.jp/#10/35.633861/139.783173/&base=english&ls=english|did2010|kokuarea&disp=111&lcd=english&vs=c1j0l0u0f0&d=v
Please click “OK”; you can confirm the areas of (A) and (C).
Green area : (A) Airspace around airports
Red area    : (C) Densely Inhabited Districts

Operational Limitations

Regardless of where you fly, you must follow the rules listed below when flying a UA/Drone:

[1] Do not operate UA/Drones under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
[2] Fly and operate UA/Drones after preflight actions.
[3] Operate UA/Drones to prevent collision hazards with airplanes and other UAs/Drones.
[4] Do not operate UA/Drones in a careless or reckless manner.
[5] Fly and operate UA/Drones in the daytime.
[6] Operate UA/Drones within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
[7] Keep a 30m or more operating distance between UA/Drones and persons or properties on the ground/water surface.
[8] Do not operate UA/Drones over event sites where many people gather.
[9] Do not transport hazardous materials such as explosives by UA/Drone.
[10] Do not drop any objects from UAs/Drones.
If you intend to fly a UA/Drone regardless of rules [5] to [10] above, you must obtain approval from the Regional Civil Aviation Bureau in advance.

Exception

Requirements stated in “Airspace in which Flights are Prohibited” and “Operational Limitations” are not applied to flights for search and rescue operations by public organizations in case of accidents and disasters. (Exception for part of the rules.)

Penalty

If the above rules are violated, the UAV operator is liable for a fine of up to 500,000 yen. (* If [1] is violated, the UAV operator is liable for imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.)

Permission & Approval

You must submit an application in Japanese for permission or approval to the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for at least ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) before you fly a UA/Drone.

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Can tourists fly drones in Japan?

Yes, tourists are allowed to fly drones in Japan, but it is necessary to apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism at least ten days in advance. Upon approval, they must follow all MLIT regulations and Japanese drone laws.

You can send the application via post or online. You can also bring it to the office yourself or send the application form by email. FAX is generally not accepted unless it is an emergency, such as a natural calamity.

For visitors who wish to start the process before arriving in Japan, you must request permission or approval through the online system DIPS: https://www.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/ (Please note that all the information online or using the forms is available only in Japanese).

• Firstly, you need to create an account by registering information about the registrant, the drone, and the operator of the drone. 
• Fill out the application form and submit it.
• You will receive feedback from MLIT.
• You might receive correction requests from MLIT. if so, then make any needed changes and resubmit.
• If you received any correction requests, log on to DIPS and correct your application accordingly.
• When approved, you’ll receive an email.
• You will then be able to download the electronic written permission via DIPS if you opted for it during the application. 
• You must always carry it with you during the operation of the drone.

According to the law, private property includes midair above the land. Hence, you need to ask for permission beforehand from the owner(s) of the place(s) you want to fly a drone. The private property also includes forests, mountains, public transport stations and rail tracks, riversides, schools, shrines,  temples,  riversides, and so on.

Violating these rules can result in fines of up to 500,000 yen or other penalties.

It is important to follow the operational conditions outlined by the MLIT (see general Japanese Drone Laws above), and ensure that your drone has Japanese TELEC certification.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Japan

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can be operated by hobbyists subject to the following guidelines:

• Permission is required to fly in airspace A, B, or C.
  • Aerial space surrounding airports. 
  • At or above 150m, airspace 
  • Districts with a High Density of Inhabitants (DID) 
• Maximum Height Maximum 150m / 492ft > 150m / 492ft requires permission 
• Maximum Range: None must always remain within the operator’s line of sight unless approval for a beyond-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation has been granted. 
• There is no upper weight limit for take-off. 
• Although a license is not required, you must apply in Japanese to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for at least ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) before flying a drone. 
• Unless prior approval has been granted, operations must be conducted during the day. 
• Drone labeling is not required; it is recommended. 
• Liability insurance for drones is not required; it is recommended.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Japan

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can be operated by hobbyists subject to the following guidelines:

• Permission is required to fly in airspace A, B, or C.
  • Aerial space surrounding airports. 
  • At or above 150m, airspace 
  • Districts with a High Density of Inhabitants (DID) 
• Maximum Height Maximum 150m / 492ft > 150m / 492ft requires permission 
• Maximum Range: None must always remain within the operator’s line-of-sight unless approval is granted beyond-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation. 
• There is no upper weight limit for take-off. 
• Although a license is not required, you must apply in Japanese to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for at least ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) before flying a drone. 
• Unless prior approval has been granted, operations must be conducted during the day. 
• Labeling your drone is not required, but it is recommended. 
• Liability insurance for drones is not required, but it is recommended.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Japan

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Japan…

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NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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