DJI's GEO zone database lists 489 drone zones in Japan, 405 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| π₯ Restricted | 109 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| π¦ Regulatory restricted | 296 | Flight is prohibited by local regulation, for example around airports in Japan. |
| π© Recommended | 84 | Places recommended for drone flying, often run by a local operator. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Narita International Airport | 5.1 km |
| Kansai International Airport | 5.1 km |
| Chubu Centrair International Airport | 4.8 km |
| εζ³ι£θ‘ε ΄(δΈ») | 4.8 km |
| Haneda Airport | 4.8 km |
| ζ°η°ει£θ‘ε ΄ | 4.7 km |
| ε²ιι£θ‘ε ΄ | 4.7 km |
| Hyakuri Airport | 4.7 km |
| Komatsu Airport | 4.7 km |
| Matsushima Air Field | 4.7 km |
| Shimojishima Airport | 4.6 km |
| Naha Airport | 4.6 km |
| Kagoshima Airport | 4.6 km |
| Nagasaki Airport | 4.6 km |
| Kumamoto Airport | 4.6 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in Japan at a glance
- Aviation authority: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Civil Aviation Bureau) (MLIT)
- Maximum height: 150 m (492 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Drones of 100 g or more must be registered with MLIT (online through DIPS 2.0), show the registration number and carry Remote ID. Official page
- Official map: GSI map (airport surroundings and DID layers)
- Flights over Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) also need MLIT permission.
- Since 14 July 2026 the no-fly area around New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Itami, Kansai, Fukuoka and Naha airports is about 1,000 m, for drones of any weight.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (MLIT) before you fly.
- Check on the official map whether your site is in an airport surrounding area or a Densely Inhabited District (DID). Official page
- Around an airport or above 150 m, first coordinate with the airport operator and the air traffic control unit for that airspace. Official page
- Apply for flight permission on DIPS 2.0 at least 10 business days before the flight. Official page
- Near the 8 airports designated under the Small UAV Prohibition Act, also get the airport manager's consent and notify the police at least 48 hours ahead. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
β Drone pre-flight checklist
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in Japan?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 405 restricted zones in Japan; the official map is GSI map (airport surroundings and DID layers). Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in Japan?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Civil Aviation Bureau). The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in Japan?
Up to 150 m (492 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Civil Aviation Bureau) (official map: GSI map (airport surroundings and DID layers)).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.