Hi Drone Lovers!

Are you thinking of flying a drone in Tokyo or somewhere else in Japan? Then, I'm sure you have already read the basic rules on drones by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. So, is this all you need to know? Sadly, the Answer is no: you also need to be aware of the Civil Laws, the Road Traffic Laws and Drone Regulations Enhancement Act. Yup, Japan is a country of rules and regulations, And if you fail to abide be these rules, you will be fined up to ¥500,000!

1. MUST not fly over Metropolitan Tokyo’s 81 public parks and gardens (2015.5〜)
2. MUST not fly in airspace within 300m from the National Important Facilities(2016.3〜)
3. Need permission to take off/land on private owned properties
4. Need permission to fly from public streets

4 Things you need to know OTHER THAN the Aviation Law when you Fly a Drone in Japan

1. MUST not fly over Metropolitan Tokyo’s 81 public parks and gardens (2015.5~)

Right after a drone incident above the Japan Prime Minister's office residence in 2015, Tokyo Prefecture completely banned flying any unmanned aircraft in Tokyo's public parks and gardens. This act is pretty strict and they are able to call the police as soon as they they spot a flying UAV.

Here is a list of Tokyo's Public Parks and Gardens:

Tokyo 23 wards: http://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp/jigyo/park/kouenannai/map_01.html
Tama Area: http://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp/jigyo/park/kouenannai/map_02.html

(They don't have the list available on their English website, but you can see the English Translation in the above links.)

When I only knew about the basic Aviation Law, I actually made phone calls to several Tokyo National Parks like Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen to ask for permission to fly my drone. I was turned down right away. Then I found out about this new law that was passed in 2015.

One thing you need to know here is that you are also prohibited from flying drones under 200g in those parks and gardens.

2. MUST not fly in airspace within 300m from the National Important Facilities (2016.3~)

Drone Regulations Enhancement Act (2016.3-) was passed to make all national important facilities, like the Imperial Palace and Parliament Building, NO-FLY zones. Well, if you have common sense, you won't decide to fly somewhere a country would get pissed off, right?

These are some things that they may do...

Police will order the drone operator to stop
If the operator does not obey or the police cannot find the operator, they have the right to destroy the drone.
Offenders are responsible for up to about $5,000 or Penal Service up to 1 year.

It does sounds pretty intense, right? You don't want to mess with Japanese police.

What exactly are the national important facilities?

On a bill information of the House of Councillors, clearly states what the national important facilities are (see below). At least we know exactly where we can't fly.

Parliament Building
Prime Minister official residence and others
Administrative government buildings that are specified needed to maintain the function of crisis management in Cabinet Order
The Supreme Court Building
The Imperial Palace
The police party office which the Minister of Public Management appoints
The Foreign diplomatic establishments which the Minister of Foreign Affairs appoints and the atomic energy establishment which the National Public Safety Commission appoints

3. Need permission to take off/land on private owned properties

drones in japan things you need to know other than the aviation law

It is stated that the airspace up to 300m above the private owned property is where the right of owner extends to by the Civil Law Act (Section 1, Article 1) That being said, you need to get a permission to fly your done.

When you look at SORAPASS no-fly zone map, you find some clear spot in the middle of red zone. You might think, 'Yes! I found the spot to fly!' but most of the time , they are schools, golf courses, big shrines and temples.

4. Need permission to fly from public streets

drones in japan 4 things you need to know other than the aviation law

If you are thinking of taking off and landing on public streets, shoulder of the public streets or sidewalks, you need to get a permission in advance by turning in an application of permission of public road usage (an application fee ¥2,000) to police department of the jurisdiction.

Apparently, it is against the Road Traffic Law (Article 77).

CONCLUSION

There are more information on How to Fly a Drone in Tokyo | Japan Drone Laws and Regulations.

Recently, I see Japan drone incidents on the news, people getting arrested for not getting permission or violating the regulations. Please be careful to take the right steps to fly your drone and to make your Japan trip present and safe!

-Maiko