Flying a drone in Japan

Japan is a fascinating travel destination with breathtaking landscapes – perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage with a drone. However, anyone who wants to fly a drone in Japan must comply with strict drone regulations. Since the introduction of the drone registration requirement (for drones weighing 100g or more), clear rules apply to both locals and tourists.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Japan’s drone regulations, registration through DIPS2.0, the Remote ID requirement, permitted flight zones, and recommended drone insurance options.

UPDATE: 2025 Registration Fees

Requirements for Flying

License & Insurance

Currently, in Japan, you do not need a pilot’s license. Drone insurance is not a bad idea, but it is not strictly necessary in Japan.

Registration

Since June 20 2022, all drones, regardless of size or whether they are used for commercial or private purposes, must be registered. This can be done directly on the MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) website: https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/drone/en/

The registration takes about 1 week. Registration can be a bit complicated but is manageable. Refer to the following manual for more information.

Marking

The drone must be marked with the ID received after registration. Attach a label with the registration ID to the drone, similar to the practice in Europe.

Additionally, your drone must support RID (Remote ID). This technology allows the drone to be identified remotely during flight, even without direct line of sight. No personal data is transmitted! Generally, almost all drones produced from 2022 onwards support RID.

Costs

The registration cost is approximately 1,500 yen.

Violations are subject to a penalty of up to 500,000 yen and/or imprisonment.

Validity and Renewal

Your drone registration is valid for three years. If you’re planning another trip to Japan, you can easily renew your existing registration. However, you must do this at least one month before your license expires.

Simply log in to the MLIT portal with your account details. There, you can renew your current license. The fee is around 1,500 yen.