Japan Drone Laws [Updated May 2024]

Understanding drone laws in Japan can be a complex task, especially for newcomers to this rapidly evolving field. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify these laws, offering you a roadmap for legally and safely operating drones in Japan. As of September 2023, the information in this article is up-to-date, but please consult official resources for the most current information.

The legal restrictions of drone flying in Japan are rather lackluster, with few laws restricting where and when you can fly your drone. However, drone flying must always be done safely and with consideration for other people and property.

Summary of The Japan Drone Laws 2023

For those in a hurry, here’s what you need to know:

Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism regulate drones in Japan.
Mandatory registration and remote ID function are required for drones over 100g.
Drone registration is mandatory for certain drone categories.
Small drones must not exceed 50 meters in altitude once airborne
Line of Sight (LOS) operation is generally required.
Flying in crowded areas is generally prohibited.
Always check for the most current regulations.
Drones are not illegal in Japan, but there are a lot of restrictions on their use.

Drone Laws in Japan

Regulatory Authority and Recent Changes

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) governs drone operations in Japan. As of June 2016, the MLIT has made significant changes to make drone operations easier in the country, setting Japan apart from more stringent regulations like those of the FAA in the United States.

Categories and Weight Restrictions

Drones are categorized into two types, as with this law:

Small Drones: Up to 200g in weight
Large Drones: Over 200g in weight

Note that the drone’s battery is included in the total weight calculation. The dimensions for small drones must not exceed 0.25 meters in length and 0.1 meters in width. For large drones, these dimensions are capped at 2 meters in length and 0.5 meters in width. The maximum combined weight for both categories is 25 kg.

Age Restrictions for Drones

Age restrictions for drones in Japan are enforced in order to ensure safe and responsible operation of these unmanned aerial vehicles. The Japanese government has implemented age restrictions to address potential risks associated with drone use. According to the Civil Aeronautics Act, individuals below the age of 16 are prohibited from operating drones weighing more than 200 grams.

Furthermore, individuals aged 16 and 17 are required to obtain permission from a parent or guardian before operating drones weighing more than 200 grams. These age restrictions aim to prevent accidents and ensure that drone operators have the necessary maturity and responsibility to operate these devices safely.

Prohibited Airspace

Prohibited airspace in the context of drone operations in Japan includes areas such as airports, heliports, and densely inhabited districts, where flying is restricted due to safety concerns and potential risks to people and properties. These no-fly zones are established to ensure the safety of both air traffic and individuals on the ground.

To serve the audience desiring to use drones responsibly, it is crucial to be aware of these safety measures. Here are five key points to consider:

Prohibited airspace includes airports and densely inhabited districts.
Flying in these areas is restricted to prevent potential risks to people and properties.
Adhering to these no-fly zones is essential to avoid accidents and ensure public safety.
Violating these restrictions can result in fines or imprisonment.
Understanding and respecting these safety measures is crucial for responsible drone operations in Japan.

Small Drones Can Be Flown Without Permission

The MLIT has made it clear that drone owners must register their drones with the government before flying them.

The process is simple and requires you to register only a few details, such as your name and address, through the MLIT’s drone registration hub.

Once completed, you will receive an automatic email confirming that your registration has been processed successfully.

You can now fly small drones without permission or restrictions as long as they weigh less than 2 kilograms (4 pounds) and don’t exceed 150 meters in altitude once airborne. You must also attend an educational course before flying large drones (those above 2 kilograms).

This is intended to help operators understand safety regulations and how they relate to specific types of model aircraft—this approach encourages responsible use over time by teaching new pilots’ proper techniques from the start so they avoid accidents later on down the line when more experience has been gained under their belts.

Use Of Drones In Japan Is Regulated By The Japanese Aviation Regulations

The use of drones in Japan is regulated by the Japanese aviation regulations.

The Japanese aviation regulations are based on Annex 2 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), and they are one of the first countries to enact regulations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The UAS Regulations were enacted in 2014 as part of an effort to establish a safe and efficient UAS traffic system by regulating their operation and development.

Drone Operators Must Stay At Least 30 Meters From People

While Japan is a drone-friendly country, there are some rules you should follow to avoid trouble.

You must stay at least 30 meters from people, buildings and vehicles. This is to protect people and property from possible harm.
Drone operators must be 18 years or older. To ensure that only responsible adults operate drones, those under 18 years old need adult supervision when flying their drones in Japan.

Drone Operations Are Prohibited Over Certain Areas

Drone Operations Are Prohibited Over Certain Areas, including large cities and crowded public areas. This includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo in the Kanto region; Fukuoka and Kumamoto in Kyushu; and Sendai in northern Japan.

In addition to this list of prohibited areas there is a long list of restricted zones which have been clearly marked on maps available on the Transport Ministry’s website.

These zones include all major airports around the country as well as many other points of interest such as dams or nuclear power plants.

Also note that drones must be kept away from any military bases (including those used by US forces) as well as national parks like Mount Fuji and others listed here.

So, Drones Are Not Illegal In Japan

Drones Are Not Illegal In Japan, but there are a lot of restrictions on their use.

In order to fly a drone in Japan, you must:

Stay within line of sight of the operator at all times: This means that operators cannot fly drones if they can’t see them with their eyes or through an electronic device such as binoculars or goggles.
Do not operate UA/Drones in a careless or reckless manner.
Drones must not exceed a maximum altitude of 150 meters.
Not fly over crowded areas like festivals or parks where people may be gathered together because the risk that something could happen when a drone accidentally bumps into someone is too great for comfort.
The government will also consider other factors like whether there’s any risk of harm to people living nearby when deciding whether an area should be considered “crowded”; for example, if there’s lots of trees around then perhaps it’ll be okay since no one will really notice your presence anyway unless you’re flying directly above them!

Exceptions

An important aspect to consider regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Japan is the existence of exceptions to certain regulations related to flight restrictions, height restrictions, time restrictions, and privacy considerations.

While Japan has implemented strict regulations for drone operation, there are certain circumstances where exceptions can be granted. For example, in cases where the drone is being used for disaster response or prevention, approval for flights outside of restricted areas may be given.

Additionally, exemptions can be granted for research and development purposes, as well as for certain industries such as agriculture and infrastructure inspection. However, it is important to note that even in these exceptional cases, operators must still adhere to safety guidelines and obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the relevant authorities.

Penalties for Violating Laws

Violation of regulations related to unmanned aerial vehicles in Japan can result in penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or revocation of licenses. The Japanese government has implemented strict rules to ensure the safe and responsible operation of drones. Those who fail to comply with these regulations may face severe consequences.

The penalties for violating drone laws in Japan include:

Fines: Individuals found guilty of breaking the regulations may be required to pay significant fines as determined by the authorities.
Imprisonment: In more serious cases, individuals may face imprisonment for their actions, serving a sentence determined by the court.
License Revocation: If a licensed drone operator is found to have violated the regulations, their license may be revoked, prohibiting them from operating drones in the future.
Confiscation of Equipment: Authorities have the power to seize and confiscate the drone and related equipment used in the violation of regulations.

It is crucial for drone operators in Japan to familiarize themselves with the laws and adhere to them to avoid these penalties.

How To Register Drones In Japan?

Visit the Official Website: Go to the Japanese Aviation Authority’s official website.
Fill Out the Application: Complete the application form with all required details.
Pay the Fee: The fee can usually be paid online.
Receive your Registration: You’ll receive a registration number which must be displayed on your drone.

Are Drones Allowed In Japan?

Yes, drones are allowed in Japan, but there are several regulations that need to be followed. Tourists are allowed to fly drones in Japan, but they need to apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism at least ten days in advance. It is important to follow all MLIT regulations and Japanese drone laws.

Notes for Recreational Drone Flying in Japan

Permission is required to fly in airspace A, B, or C, the airspace surrounding airports, and at or above 150 meters.
Drones must always remain within the operator’s line-of-sight, unless approval is granted for 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.
Operations must be conducted during the day, unless prior approval has been granted.
Labeling your drone is not required, but it is recommended.
Liability insurance for drones is not required, but it is recommended.

Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Japan

Permission is required to fly in airspace A, B, or C, the airspace surrounding airports, and at or above 150 meters.
Drones must always remain within the operator’s line-of-sight, unless approval is granted for 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.
Operations must be conducted during the day, unless prior approval has been granted.
Labeling your drone is not required, but it is recommended.
Liability insurance for drones is not required, but it is recommended.

Frequently Asked Question (drone Laws Japan)

When And Where Is It Legal To Fly My Drone?

You can fly your drone in Japan during daylight hours. If you want to fly it at night, you must have a light on it that is visible from a distance of 500 meters. You cannot fly your drone within 5 km of an airport or helicopter landing site.

Are There Any Restrictions On Flying My Drone In Japan?

To fly your drone in Japan, you must not fly your drone in a way that endangers people or property. You must also avoid flying your drone in a way that causes a nuisance to others. Finally, you must not fly your drone in a way that interferes with other people’s enjoyment of their property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the drone laws in Japan are stringent and require all drone owners to register their devices. The process of registering drones in Japan involves submitting necessary documents and obtaining a drone license.

It is important to note that tourists are permitted to fly drones in Japan as long as they follow the rules and regulations set by the government. These strict laws aim to ensure the safety and privacy of the public while allowing drone enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby responsibly.