Drone flying etiquette in Japan - Don't be stupid, guys.

I seem to get the same kinds of questions about drone flying in Japan, so I thought I'd make a video addressing them all. Not just the rules, but the unspoken etiquette you should take note of if you're thinking of taking flight.

Thank you so much to Project Innovate for sponsoring this video!

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[EnigmaDave]

I hope every drone flyer takes this common sense advice to heart. Violating the rules, or being rude, will only bring stricter rules, and less pretty footage, for everyone .

[Apureguria]

I love the way you invite people to see your phone and know more about their own country through drones. Just beautiful. Never thought about it.

[BeyondYourDoorstep]

It always worries us flying out drone in new countries. We alway check the laws, but there's always something in the back of our minds that makes us think we shouldn't be doing it! It's usually just out in nature anyway though, because that's what we love filming the most. Your drone shots are so stunning too. We're still learning and your shots are a huge inspiration. We'd love to get back out to Japan one day. It's been over 10 years 😭

[MrFreezook]

I really like /admire the way you make your videos, I'm actually learning a lot

[Whatnoww]

Great video! A few things I'd like to add. I disagree with the premise that drone flyers have to be told to not be stupid or follow the rules. All of us have bought a drone that either costs 500$ or more. We don't want to loose it, and we've specifically bought it to get pictures of nature or awesome landscape pictures. We aren't trying to bother anyone, and most of these drones do NOT bother anyone. Loosing a 500$ drone hurts and we'll do anything we can to avoid it. Now, I'm talking about small drones (250G>X). If you're in a city area, the moment you've flown it up to 20 meters, nobody knows it's there, and if your in a quiet area, 100 meters is more than enough for it to be unnoticable. Also, up to what point do people have claim to the airspace over their teritories. Is private land just an infinitely high barrier that you can't go over without permission? Why are only drone users prevented from flying over these areas and not other aircrafts? Ultimately, it's pretty strange that a hobby with one of the lowest levels of accidents that trained users have that actually affect people is so heavily regulated in so many places, and it's super confusing to understand the laws in some places. And not only that, but permits can take forever to be expedited.

Just a rant, since I'm frustrated that if I'm trying to use my drone safely, I still can't fly anywhere in Japan unless I spend a very long time finding areas where it's possible to do so. Of course, as always, we'll have to respect drone laws, since we are never trying to be antagonistic, but it's still pretty frustrating.

[TravelGlobalVideos]

For the right use, it's an amazing technology and can literally save lives. However, 100% agree they need to be used properly and with the correct skill and etiquette.

[Krmcc]

You don’t need to be a drone pilot to love the quality and content of this channel. Love the outtakes at the end. Also, The dark hair and dark top definitely makes your face pop in these videos, in a good way. Thank you

[OrientalPearl]

You’re right again. I know of lots of youtubers that ignored the rules on this one and ruined it for use all. You got some nice footage by the way. Way to go.

[rakkii]

Actually Japan law is really strict concerning drones, so that some people already say it's a dying hobby :(
To legally fly you drone, you have to get the authorization of the local authorities or landlord.
If you don't have it and somebody reports you, you can get a hefty fine.
Flying over farmland/rice fields? You need to ask the land owner. Same goes for houses, shrines etc.
Wanna fly in the mountains? Yes, even these have an owner. Usually this goes through the local city hall.
Also, flying over roads, or even crossing them, is a no-go without authorization of the police department...
I, and many other, really hope the laws will get reworked...
So, where can you just fly? On your onwed land, but! You can not fly within 30m to other peoples houses. The neighbours house is just 10m away? Bad luck, no fly...

That being said... going off the grid to fly your drone won't usually cause any trouble. Avoid people, don't fly too low and most importantly, don't crash!!! because that can get you into trouble and is a reason for the strict laws in Japan right now. (Causing accidents or fire hazards (batteries))

[claudiam.]

Whaaat nobody commented on her hair color?! xD

Okay, now I have to do it: The color suits you, Hannah :D pretty as always~

[ViajeniBree]

I always love your commentaries. Very well said!

[LittleThingsinJapan]

I just saw yesterday one of your old videos in which you let you drone fly and I was actually thinking of asking you about this topic!
BTW, I truly respect your being humble and paying attention to the "non written rules" of Japan.
Thanks for sharing!

[Wimplo]

I’m so glad she mentioned about just being open and friendly if people are looking at you. Don’t give them a reason for them to think you’re doing something suspicious. I recently experienced this, I was flying my drone at a look out and when a couple came up there I just said hi and they responded with hi and then just minded their own business.

[FriendlyNeighborhoodDM]

Thank you for the always amazing video, Hannah. Hope you feel better soon!

[BurmeseLessons]

Thanks for sharing the info. Last December, when I was on a tour bus in Kyoto that goes around Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji, the tour guide told us drones are not allowed in temple grounds. And I also saw signs at the temple entrances indicating that. It makes sense. The Japanese temples are very calm, almost like places where time is suspended. I for one wouldn't like a buzzing drone hovering overhead if I were visiting one.

[RobCantle]

As usual Hannah, I love your videos.

This one is particularly good as I've recently also become a drone user with my DJI Magic Mini (I just spent 6 weeks in U.K. and Ireland where the mini is perfect because it is 249gm so you don't have to register it).
Some places are harder than others to fly because of rules or just the amount of airports etc in a small space, but as you rightly say, the rules are rules, so follow them so we can all keep flying and getting cool shots. There are plenty of other apps that compliment what the DJI app provides to help you identify if you are allowed to fly or if weather conditions are ideal (even then they can get away on you - it happened to me in Ireland).
You are a great advertisement for Brissy and Queensland. Keep it up! Rob

[nailsbynumber]

I’ve probably unintentionally broken a drone law while flying here in Japan because certain areas have made laws against flying but they don’t publicize it or put signs up. A friend of mine who does videography for a Japanese tourism company was yelled at while he was filming on his drone in Biei, Hokkaido by a local farmer. He was informed that they had somewhat recently outlawed drones in the entirety of Biei. You still can’t tell that’s the case when you visit.

[QJapan]

Lots of reasonable info ^^b One thing I didn't consider enough when I got my drone was that getting to safe flying zones without a car can be a hassle (especially in cities like Nagoya, Okayama, etc). So even while traveling, I recommend getting a rental car for the best drone footage. Not a must, just a tip. Thanks for your cool videos Hannah. Cheers.

[tpwonder]

My husband was questioned once by some workers near a work site (which had no restrictions on it) because they thought he was engaged by their boss who was spying on them to see if they were working or not.

[seandesmond]

Your drone footage is amazing Hannah!!! ❤ Great tips!