CAN TOURISTS FLY A DRONE IN JAPAN?

THE RULES IN PLAIN LANGUAGE

• Registration

  Every drone over 100g — including the DJI Mini class — must be registered in advance with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and carry Remote ID.

• No-fly by default

  Densely inhabited districts (most of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), above 150m, near airports, and at night — all need MLIT permission.

• Applications go through DIPS 2.0, in advance

  DIPS 2.0 is Japan's official drone flight application system. Permit applications usually take 2–4 weeks, so they have to be filed roughly a month ahead of the flight.

• The rules are enforced

  Flying without the required permission is a violation of Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act and carries penalties.

THE LEGAL ALTERNATIVE: HIRE A LOCAL LICENSED PILOT

A licensed local operator can fly where and when you can't: we hold MLIT flight permissions, we file every application, and we deliver edited 4K footage. You direct the shoot; we handle the law.

• Blanket MLIT flight permit — Tokyo Bureau Permit No. 4378, via DIPS 2.0.
• Every DIPS 2.0 application filed on your behalf — you file nothing yourself.
• ¥100M liability insurance covering any filming situation.
• JUIDA-certified pilot and Third-Class Land Special Radio Operator licence.
• Full English from brief to delivery.

WHY NAGANO / KARUIZAWA IS A GREAT PLACE TO FILM

Unlike central Tokyo or Kyoto, most of the Karuizawa–Saku highlands lies outside densely inhabited districts, which means more freedom to fly and more spectacular, uncluttered landscapes: highland forests, lakes, canyons and Mt. Asama.