Can you fly a drone in Kyoto and Tokyo?

Mostly no, not without approval. Almost all of central Kyoto and Tokyo is classed as a Densely Inhabited District (DID), and flying over a DID needs permission from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). On top of that, temples, shrines and city parks usually ban drones on their grounds. For a short trip, the realistic plan is to fly in rural areas outside the DIDs, with your drone registered in Japan.

Drones in Kyoto and Tokyo — Central Kyoto and Tokyo are Densely Inhabited Districts, where flying needs MLIT approval. Temples, shrines and city parks add their own bans.

Why the cities are so hard

Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act requires every drone of 100 g or more to be registered, display its registration ID and broadcast Remote ID, according to MLIT's English UAS page. It also requires MLIT permission to fly:

Over Densely Inhabited Districts
Near airports
At 150 m or more above the ground

And it requires approval to fly at night, beyond line of sight, within 30 m of people or property such as buildings and cars, or over events. In a city, almost every flight hits at least one of these. Approvals go through MLIT's DIPS 2.0 system, and visitors rarely get them for a single trip.

Kyoto

Temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha are private religious sites. They don't welcome drones, and many post signs banning them.
Arashiyama, Gion and the Philosopher's Path are packed with people and inside DIDs.
City parks have their own rules. Assume drones aren't allowed unless the park says otherwise.

The hills and rural valleys outside the city, such as parts of northern Kyoto Prefecture, are more realistic after a check of MLIT's DID and airport maps and the landowner's permission.

Tokyo

Public parks in Tokyo generally prohibit drones, including the large metropolitan parks.
Haneda and Narita airports have large protected zones.
The Small Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition Act bans flights over and around key facilities such as the Imperial Palace, the National Diet, the Prime Minister's office and some embassies and defense sites.

Some indoor and private drone fields operate around Tokyo for hobby flying. Ask about their rules and whether they accept foreign pilots.

Registration first

Japan requires registration of every drone weighing 100 g or more, including the 135 g DJI Neo, with the registration ID shown on the drone and a Remote ID function. Non-residents can register online with a passport, and there's a fee. Confirm with MLIT before departure whether your drone's built-in Remote ID is accepted. Full steps are in drone laws in Japan.

What to bring

If you're registered and plan rural flights, the 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch sensor for autumn leaves and mountain views. The DJI Neo is still over 100 g, so it needs registration too. In the cities, a good handheld camera will get you more shots than a drone. Read traveling with a drone for battery rules on your flight, and MLIT's drone rules page for the official version.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.