{"id":283268,"date":"2025-09-06T20:56:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T11:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/?p=283268"},"modified":"2025-09-06T20:56:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T11:56:10","slug":"points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/design\/points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Points to Note for Creators Conducting Aerial Shooting in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><h3>To fly a drone in Japan<\/h3>\r\n<p>Many creators visiting Japan for tourism or work may want to capture aerial footage. However, with the rise of overtourism, incidents of foreign tourists flying drones without permission have also increased.<\/p>\r\n<p>Japan is known for having some of the world\u2019s strictest drone laws and penalties, and these regulations are only becoming more stringent. The application process is also complicated, making it difficult for visitors to fly drones freely. For most creators, the safest and most practical option is to hire a local pilot certified under Japan\u2019s national drone licensing system.<\/p>\r\n<p>That said, some creators may still wish to operate a drone themselves to capture specific footage, or bring a trusted pilot with them. This article provides an overview of Japan\u2019s drone regulations, key points to keep in mind, and the procedures required for aerial shooting.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-750x422.jpg\" alt=\"adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" class=\"aligncenter size-ADFwebimage999 wp-image-283267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-750x422.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-230x129.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-711x400.jpg 711w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-888x500.jpg 888w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-1244x700.jpg 1244w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<h4>1. Drone Registration Procedures<\/h4>\r\n<p>In Japan, all drones and radio-controlled aircraft weighing <b>100 grams or more<\/b> must be registered. Flying such an unregistered aircraft outdoors is illegal.<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Indoor flight is allowed without registration. However, if there is a chance the drone could exit through an opening (such as a window), it is not considered indoor flight and is illegal.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Toy drones under 100g do not require registration, but they <b>still cannot be flown<\/b> in restricted areas such as airports, military facilities, the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, the Prime Minister\u2019s residence, embassies, cultural heritage sites, or nuclear facilities.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h5>Registration procedure:<\/h5>\r\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Access the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp\/portal\/top\/?lang=en\"><span class=\"s2\"> DIPS 2.0<\/span><\/a> system.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Verify your identity (passport accepted) and create an account. (A Japanese address is required\u2015you may need to use your hotel or temporary residence address with permission.)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Enter aircraft information (manufacturer, model, weight, serial number, etc.).<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Pay the registration fee online (\u00a5900 per aircraft).<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Display the registration marking on the aircraft following strict specifications.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Register the Remote ID to the drone.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h5>Important notes:<\/h5>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Aircraft without Japan\u2019s Technical Conformity Mark cannot be registered.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Drones must have Remote ID, unless declared as purchased\/used before June 19, 2022.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Foreign registrations (e.g., FAA, EASA) are not valid\u2015separate registration in Japan is required.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Registration may take over 10 days, so apply at least two weeks before your intended flight.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Homemade, modified or minor drones may be difficult or impossible to register.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4>2. Drone Flight Application Procedures<\/h4>\r\n<p>In Japan, flights are classified into three categories: those that do not require an application, those that require certification or an application, and those that require both certification and an application.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Drone operations are also categorized into four levels based on risk:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Level 1:<\/b> Low-risk flights, such as flying in open areas away from people and buildings.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Level 2:<\/b> Moderate-risk flights, for example flying near people or structures but with safety measures in place.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Level 3:<\/b> Higher-risk flights, such as flying over populated areas or during special conditions, which require certification and approval.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Level 4:<\/b> High-risk operations, including flights over crowds at events without assistants, which require the highest level of certification and strict approval procedures.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This categorization helps determine what applications, permits, or certifications are needed for different types of flights.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">You may fly <b>without an application<\/b> if all of the following conditions are met:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Aircraft is registered (or weighs under 100g)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Flight avoids no-fly zones (airports, DID = Densely Inhabited Districts and e.t.c...)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Altitude is below 150m above ground<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Flight occurs during daylight (between sunrise and sunset)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Flight remains within visual line of sight (you must see the aircraft directly at all times; monitor operation is illegal)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>At least 30m distance is maintained from people and buildings<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Flight is in permitted airspace<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Flight is within the drone\u2019s performance limits<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If <b>any condition is not met<\/b>, you must apply for permission or hold a Japanese national drone qualification.<\/p>\r\n<p>One key issue for aerial shooting is the <b>visual line of sight rule<\/b>. If you are shooting while monitoring a screen, this counts as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), which requires special approval. In practice, creators should assume an application is always required for professional aerial shooting.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other important restrictions:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Night flights require permission (sunrise\/sunset defined by the Japan Meteorological Agency).<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Automated functions like fully hands-off flight are prohibited for drones 100g or more.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Manned aircraft always take priority; drones must yield and avoid interfering.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Special exception:<\/b> Flights tethered with a rope\/wire of 30m or less may be exempt from some restrictions (e.g., DID areas, BVLOS, night flights). However, exemptions do not apply if the tether is longer than 30m, attached to a moving vehicle, or if the aircraft is unregistered or unsafe.<\/p>\r\n<h5>Flights requiring application and approval:<\/h5>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Within airports or DID areas<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>BVLOS flights<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Night flights<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"p3\">Pilots with a Japanese Class II certificate (with BVLOS\/night endorsements) may conduct such flights without application. However, foreigners on short-term stays will find it nearly impossible to obtain this certificate (the exam is Japanese-only). For visitors, submitting an application in advance is the practical path. Licenses obtained outside Japan are not valid for flying in Japan, but they may be attached as supplementary documents to demonstrate skills when applying for flight permission.<\/p>\r\n<h5 class=\"p3\">Application process overview:<\/h5>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Log in to the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp\/portal\/top\/?lang=en\"><span class=\"s2\"> DIPS 2.0<\/span><\/a> (or create an account if you do not already have one) and submit a flight application.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Provide pilot details, including documents that demonstrate your flying experience\u2015such as flight logs or foreign certifications, which may be requested as supporting evidence.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Provide flight plan (location, date\/time, altitude, route, safety system)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Include aircraft details (model, registration, conformity mark, capabilities)<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Submit assistant plan (mandatory for BVLOS\/flights over people), emergency manual, and proof of drone insurance valid in Japan<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span>Await approval; resubmit if corrections are requested<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Permissions focus on <b>safety<\/b>. If skills, equipment, or conditions raise doubts, approval will not be granted. High-risk flights (dense urban areas, flights over event crowds, BVLOS without assistants) are rarely approved without advanced Japanese training certifications.<\/p>\r\n<h4>3. Other Considerations<\/h4>\r\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Property rights:<\/b> Flying over private property is generally allowed at safe altitudes (over 30m above building \u2013 below 150m above ground), but complaints about noise or intrusion can still cause issues. Trespassing occurs if launching\/landing on the private property without permission.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Public land:<\/b> Flying over rivers, ports, national parks, or cultural sites often requires separate permissions from relevant agencies (river offices, port authorities, Ministry of the Environment, local governments, etc.). Many parks and public spaces prohibit drones under local ordinances.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Photography rights:<\/b> While incidental appearance of buildings in landscapes is fine, photographing people\u2019s faces, private property interiors, or copyrighted architecture may infringe privacy, portrait, or copyright laws. Commercial use of footage with identifiable facilities or logos may also require permission.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span><b>Operational rules:<\/b> Pilots must mark off flight areas, keep flight logs, and perform inspections before and after flights.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span>Causing harm to third parties or their property due to a crash or accident may result in both civil and criminal liability, including compensation claims and penalties. In the event of an accident, the pilot must immediately stop the flight, land the drone to prevent further damage, prioritize lifesaving assistance and fire prevention, and promptly report the details of the incident to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp\/portal\/top\/?lang=en\"><span class=\"s2\">DIPS 2.0<\/span><\/a> system.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span>If the drone crashes, the pilot is required to recover the aircraft without delay in order to prevent secondary hazards such as fire caused by lithium-ion batteries.<\/li>\r\n\t<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><\/b><\/span>For more detailed and up-to-date information on no-fly zones and operational rules for drones in Japan, please refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), such as their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/en\/koku\/uas.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"><span class=\"s2\">\u201cFlight Rules for Unmanned Aircraft (Drones and Model Aircraft, etc.)\u201d page on the MLIT website.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4>Conclusion<\/h4>\r\n<p>Japan\u2019s drone regulations are complex, strict, and spread across multiple laws. Even Japanese residents often struggle to understand exactly where drones can be flown. Foreign pilots are particularly likely to attract attention or suspicion.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is not impossible for visiting creators to fly drones in Japan, but the hurdles are significant. Flying without proper registration, knowledge, or permits risks severe penalties. Unless you have a compelling reason to operate yourself, the most practical and low-risk approach is to hire a certified Japanese drone pilot.<\/p><\/article>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To fly a drone in Japan Many creators visiting Japan for tourism or work may want to capture aerial footage. H [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":283267,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"\"Points to Note for Creators Conducting Aerial Shooting in Japan\" #drone #Japan #Webmagazine #ADF","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[8],"tags":[38,111],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/adf-web-magazine-points-to-note-for-creators-conducting-aerial-shooting-in-japan.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283268"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283268"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283268\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/283267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.adfwebmagazine.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}