Drone Japan: What you need to know before flying in 2025

My name is Aubin, an aerial photographer and creator of the Dronelog blog. I travel to the four corners of the world with my drone to capture the most beautiful landscapes seen from the sky. In this article, I’ll share the rules to know, the mistakes to avoid, and especially, a slightly funny but instructive mishap I experienced in Tokyo...

Traveling with your drone to Japan: what you need to know

Japan is a dream destination — I just returned there for the second time. Its peaceful temples, volcanic landscapes, ultra-modern cities... and for enthusiasts like me, its incredible viewpoints to capture by drone. But before you slip your device into your backpack and take off in the Land of the Rising Sun, you should know that flying a drone in Japan is strictly regulated.

By the way, if you're looking for a travel guide to Japan in 2025, it's over here!

Anecdote in Tokyo: 3 hours at the police station for a drone photo

Shiinamachi-Station-photo-drone-Tokyo — **Shiinamachi Station - The famous drone photo that earned me 3 hours at the police station 😅**

During my last trip to Japan, I spotted an incredible photo spot in the capital: Shiinamachi Station, with a unique urban perspective at sunset. Excited, I flew my drone to capture the scene… unaware that I was breaking the law. A few minutes later, four police officers approached me. And then, I spent 3 hours at the police station in a Tokyo neighborhood, explaining my actions.

The problem: even the authorities weren’t entirely sure about the drone laws. They asked me to write a handwritten letter promising not to fly my drone again in Japan.

That day, I realized that regulations are strict, but often poorly understood even by the authorities. So here’s what you need to know if you plan to take aerial photos in Japan.

📸 👉 See the photo print of Shiinamachi Station in Tokyo

Can you bring a drone to Japan in 2025?

Yes, you can absolutely bring your drone to Japan, but you’ll need to comply with several administrative, technical, and legal requirements. Registration is now mandatory, as is respecting authorized flying zones.

Mandatory registration and Remote ID

Since June 20, 2022, all drones over 100 grams must be registered with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

Here are the key points:

Mandatory registration via the DIPS (Drone Information Platform System) portal. I'm also sharing the new drone flying rules in Japan for 2025.

Remote ID required: your drone must broadcast a remote identification signal.
Visible registration number on the drone.
Registration time: about 10 working days.
Cost: varies depending on the model and type of registration.

All DJI drones (DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI NEO, DJI Air 3S, etc.) are over 100g. So if you have a DJI drone, you are affected by all these requirements.

No-fly zones: where you cannot fly your drone in Japan

Here’s a summary PDF of the new drone flying rules in Japan for 2025.

The following areas are strictly prohibited for drone flights without special authorization:

Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) → Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Near airports
Within 30 meters of buildings, people, or vehicles
At night (between sunset and sunrise)
Out of the pilot’s direct line of sight
During gatherings (festivals, concerts, etc.)
In many temples, shrines, and parks (considered private property)
Above 150 meters altitude
While intoxicated or under the influence of substances

Violating these rules can result in a fine of up to 500,000 yen (around €3,000), or even administrative detention. From experience… I recommend you don’t take your chances! 😅

Where can you legally fly your drone?

Pagode-Chureito-vue-mont-fuji — Chureito Pagoda - The iconic view of Mount Fuji

Luckily, there are still splendid and legal areas to fly:

Mount Fuji: an exceptional but regulated spot

Mount Fuji, the icon of Japan, attracts thousands of travelers and photographers each year. Its perfect lines and solitary silhouette make it a spectacular subject from the sky.

But be careful: Mount Fuji is partially regulated. Here’s what you need to know if you want to fly there:

Flights prohibited on the site itself (especially around official hiking trails)
Possible flights from surrounding lakes like Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanaka, keeping a good distance and favorable weather conditions
Strong winds are common: absolute caution required
For beautiful shots, prefer sunrise or sunset, when the mountain is clear (if you’re lucky... it’s quite capricious!)

It’s one of those places where preparation is key: always check local rules and respect the peace of sacred and natural sites.

Hokkaido

Wild landscapes, frozen lakes in winter, and flower fields in summer: perfect for drone flights.

The Japanese Alps

Rural areas around Nagano or Takayama where flying is often possible with care.

Shikoku and Okinawa Islands

Paradisiacal coasts, less populated, perfect for shooting without breaking the law.

Tip: use platforms like the DIPS app to check authorized flying areas in Japan.

Special authorization request: how to do it?

If you still want to fly your drone in a restricted area (like a city park or Tokyo), you must:

Submit a request on the MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) website
Justify your project, drone model, and your identity
Wait about 10 working days for a response

Practical tips for flying safely in Japan

✅ Always check local regulations

✅ Carry a Japanese translation of your registration (most Japanese people are not comfortable with English)

✅ Keep your identification number handy

✅ Avoid major cities to minimize risks

✅ Respect residents and privacy: a drone can quickly be perceived negatively

Aerial photography in Japan: between passion and caution

tour-rouge-tokyo-tower-photographie-drone-de-nuit — **Aerial photograph of Tokyo Tower**

Japan offers sublime landscapes to photograph from the sky. But every flight must be prepared, framed, and well-thought-out. I captured this image of Tokyo Tower at night from an authorized spot. A shot that speaks volumes about Japanese urban harmony.

📸 👉 See the Tokyo Tower print