🇯🇵 Flying your drone in Japan
Authority: MLIT (DIPS 2.0) · reviewed 2026-07-16
Very low 100 g threshold — nearly every drone must be registered in DIPS 2.0 before arrival. DID zones, night, and >150 m need advance MLIT permission.
The rules
- Drones 100 g and over must be registered in the DIPS 2.0 system BEFORE flying — foreign visitors can register with a passport. Allow processing time before your trip.
- Registered drones must broadcast Remote ID (built-in or module).
- Flights in Densely Inhabited Districts (DIDs) — which cover most of urban Japan — above 150 m, or at night require prior MLIT permission; apply at least 10 business days ahead.
- Keep 30 m separation from people, vehicles, and buildings without permission.
- Airports and many landmarks have strict no-fly zones; check the DIPS map layer.
Documents to carry
- Passport
- DIPS 2.0 registration certificate (print it)
- MLIT permission letter if DID/night/high-altitude
- Insurance certificate
- Battery Wh labels
Batteries on the flight over
Carry-on only. ≤100 Wh fine. Japanese security may ask to inspect batteries — keep them accessible with terminals protected.
Traveling to Japan?SkyDocket pilots generate a border packet for this destination from their own document vault — registrations, certificates, insurance, and battery specs in one printable page.
Generate border packet Preparation guidance reviewed against public sources on 2026-07-16 — not legal advice. Regulations change; always confirm with MLIT (DIPS 2.0) before flying.