The Japanese agency responsible for drone safety, JCAB, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the link above. Are drones allowed in Japan? Are drones allowed in Japan? Yes. JCAB states that drone use is allowed in Japan, subject to strict JCAB regulations. Read on for more details. Here are the most important rules to know for flying drone in Japan: JCAB defines “UA/Drone” as an airplane, rotorcraft, glider, or airship that cannot accommodate anyone on board and can be remotely or automatically piloted. (Excluding those lighter than 100g. The weight of a UA/Drone includes that of its battery.) Important Notice regarding Japan Drone registration and remote ID The mandatory registration of Unmanned Aircraft is effective. No flights of unregistered Unmanned Aircraft weighing 100 g or more are allowed. Please be sure to register your Unmanned Aircraft. Also, Unmanned Aircraft of 100 g or more are subject to the control of the Civil Aeronautics Act, including the scope of the flight permission system. In addition to displaying a registration ID on the Unmanned Aircraft, the aircraft must have a remote ID function. The RID equipment installed in the Unmanned Aircraft transmits the aircraft’s identification information via radio waves even during a flight, enabling you to identify whether or not it is registered and ensuring safe skies. Follow this link to register and pay the fee (900 to 2,400 yen for the first drone, depending on the application method). Your drone must also be equipped with a remote ID function or equipment. Prohibited Airspace for Flight (No-fly Zones in Japan) Any person who intends to operate a UA/Drone in the following airspaces must obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. (A) Airspace around airports. (airspaces above approach surface, horizontal surface, transitional surface, extended approach surface, conical surface, and outer horizontal surface.)* Airspace below the approach surface, transitional surface, and above the airport premises is added to a no-fly zone at the following airports: New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Tokyo International Airport, Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Naha Airport.(B) Airspace at or above 150m above ground level.(C) Above Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) defined and published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. * For further details of (B) and (C), please refer to: Online Maps 1 and Online Maps 2 Please click “OK”; you can confirm the areas of (A) and (C).Green area : (A) Airspace around airportsRed area : (C) Densely Inhabited Districts JCAB Illustration of restricted and unrestricted drone operating areas Operational Limitations When operating a drone in Japan, it is essential to adhere to the following rules: Do not operate UA/Drones under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Fly and operate UA/Drones after preflight actions. Operate UA/Drones to prevent collision hazards with airplanes and other UAs/Drones. Do not operate UA/Drones carelessly or recklessly. Fly and operate UA/Drones in the daytime. Operate UA/Drones within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). Keep a 30m or more operating distance between UA/Drones and persons or properties on the ground/water surface. Do not operate UA/Drones over event sites where many people gather. Do not transport hazardous materials such as explosives by UA/Drone. Do not drop any objects from UAs/Drones. If you intend to fly a UA/Drone regardless of rules [5] to [10] above, you must obtain approval from the Regional Civil Aviation Bureau in advance. Exception Requirements stated in “Airspace in which Flights are Prohibited” and “Operational Limitations” are not applied to flights for search and rescue operations by public organizations in case of accidents and disasters.