Drone Laws in Japan

Open to visitors

Yes, but you must register first. Non-residents can register via the DIPS portal with a passport plus another official ID, and the drone must broadcast Remote ID.

Japan regulates drones through the JCAB, with a 150 m limit, mandatory registration and Remote ID even for visitors, and no-fly Densely Inhabited Districts covering central Tokyo and Osaka.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Aviation authority

Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) / MLIT

The rules

Registration: Mandatory for drones 100g+ flown outdoors (via DIPS 2.0, valid 3 years, ~¥900-¥2,400); Remote ID equipment required. Under 100g exempt from registration.
Remote ID: Mandatory for registered aircraft since 20 June 2022.
Maximum altitude: 150 m.
Line of sight: VLOS and daytime for standard flight. Night, BVLOS, over-people, or within 30 m of people/property each need MLIT/JCAB approval.
No-fly and distance rules: Keep 30 m from persons, vehicles and buildings not under your control. Prohibited without permission: near airports, above 150 m, and over Densely Inhabited Districts (most of central Tokyo/Osaka). Restrictions near government/defence/nuclear sites.
Commercial and paid work: No separate commercial licence for basic work, but any restricted airspace/manner needs JCAB permission via DIPS; a national Remote Pilot Certificate exists for advanced categories.
Notable restrictions: Densely Inhabited Districts effectively no-fly without permission; many parks, shrines and temples ban drones.
Penalties: Fines up to ¥500,000 for airspace/method violations or flying unregistered; imprisonment for flying under the influence.

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Find a local drone pilot

Official sources

MLIT UAS

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