I Want to Capture Okinawa’s Stunning Scenery with a Drone! A Guide to Rules, Restricted Areas, and Tours Led by Professionals
Let's capture Okinawa's breathtaking scenery with a drone!
In this column, you’ll learn what you need to know to fly drones in OkinawaLaws, Restricted Areas, and Recommended Spots...and we'll provide a comprehensive guide to everything, including drone photography tours where you can hire a professional photographer.
Even if you're thinking, "The rules are complicated and I don't really get them...," reading this page will clear things up for you!
◆For those who want to understand no-fly zones and rules accurately
◆For those who are nervous about flying it themselves and would like to hire a professional
◆For those looking for information on national certifications, driving ranges, and retailers
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Okinawa
Before Flying a Drone in Okinawa
Basic Rules You Should Know
To enjoy flying drones in Okinawa, first...Rules Under the Civil Aviation Act and Related LawsIt is important to have a solid understanding of this.
Be careful—if you skip this step without realizing it, it could lead to an unintended violation of the law!
↓Click here for a photo tour that includes drone aerial photography↓
Flight Rules
Drones weighing 100 grams or moreWhen flying an unmanned aircraft, regulations under the Civil Aviation Act apply.
・No-fly zone around the airport
・Flight ban in densely populated areas (DID areas)
・Prohibition of unauthorized flights in areas with high concentrations of people or buildings
In addition, during night flights, flights beyond visual line of sight, and when flying near people or objects,Flight at altitudes below 30 meters...requires separate "approval" from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Before flying, be sure to check the procedures on DIPS 2.0 (the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s flight application system).
Cases Requiring a Permit Application
A permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is required for flights near airports, in densely populated areas, at altitudes of 150 meters or higher, and in emergency airspace.
Applications areDIPS 2.0You can do this online via the (Drone Information Infrastructure System).
In addition, in Okinawa, there are cases where an application under the “Act Prohibiting the Flight of Small Unmanned Aircraft, etc.” regarding U.S. military bases and Self-Defense Forces facilities is required.
FlightUntil a month agoIt's best to start the process then.
National Licenses Required for Drone Flight
Starting in December 2022, “Unmanned Aircraft Pilot CertificationThe "National Drone Certification" program has been launched.
There are two types—First Class and Second Class—and obtaining these certifications exempts or simplifies certain flight applications.
In particular, holding a Class 2 license makes the procedures significantly smoother in situations that previously required permission, such as flying in densely populated areas or at night.
If you're interested in making full use of drones, why not consider getting certified?
List of Drone No-Fly Zones in Okinawa
Okinawa is particularly notable nationwide for...There are many no-fly zonesArea.
There are many locations—such as U.S. military bases, Self-Defense Forces facilities, and tourist attractions—where multiple laws apply simultaneously, so it is extremely important to check the regulations in advance.
The Area Around Naha Airport and U.S. Military Bases
The area surrounding Naha Airport is designated as a “restricted airspace around airports, etc.” under the Civil Aviation Act, and flying drones without a permit is prohibited.
In addition, there are numerous U.S. military facilities in Okinawa Prefecture, including Futenma Air Station, Kadena Air Base, and Camp Schwab.
These facilities and theirApproximately 300 meters in circumferenceFlying is generally prohibited under the “Act on the Prohibition of Flying Small Unmanned Aircraft, etc.”
Please be very careful, as violations may result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen!
Tourist attractions such as Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street
Such as Shuri Castle Park and Okuyama Park,Drone flights are prohibited in prefectural urban parksThe company has been
In addition, since bustling areas such as Kokusai-dori are classified as densely populated areas, you cannot fly drones there without permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
There are often cases where a place looks like a tourist attraction but is actually a no-fly zone.
Be sure to check everything thoroughly in advance so you don't realize there's a problem after you arrive!
Is it possible to fly near the coast or on the beach?
Many people think, “Since we’re out at sea, we can fly wherever we want,” but this isMisunderstandingIt is!
Although the sea is considered a free airspace under the Aviation Act, ensuring the safety of takeoff and landing areas is essential; therefore, flying near areas where people are swimming or near shipping lanes is generally prohibited.
In addition, at beaches where large numbers of tourists gather, it is necessary to consider the risk of accidents and the potential for causing a nuisance to others.
Be sure to check with the local authorities before flying.
How to Check for Restricted Areas
Drone Flight Navi is a convenient way to easily check no-fly zones.
Don't forget to check the official information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Okinawa Prefectural Police, as well as the official websites of each local government, for final confirmation!
You can hire a professional
We recommend our drone photography tours
Drone photography in Okinawa, where the rules are complex.
For those who feel, “I’m nervous about doing it myself…,”Professional Drone PilotThere's also the option of a tour where you can leave the photography to the pros!
↓Click here for our recommended drone photography tours↓
What is a drone photography tour?
A drone photography tour is a service in which a certified professional pilot operates a drone to capture memories for tourists and travelers.Professional-Quality Video and PhotographyIt's a service that lets you keep it as is.
Packages that combine photo tours with drone photography are also popular, and there are even options that let you experience aerial photography at Onna Village’s most scenic spots.
Being able to capture memories of your trip from the sky is one of the unique charms of a drone photography tour.
↓Click here for drone photography tours in Onna Village↓
Tips for Choosing a Drone Photography Tour in Okinawa
When choosing a tour, you'll need a pilotHave the necessary permits and approvals been properly obtained?Check the
Other key points to consider include the format in which the footage will be delivered (photos only or with video), the shooting location, and the time required.
It's also important to know whether there are cancellation and refund policies in case of bad weather.
Since the weather in Okinawa can change quickly, it's a good idea to choose a provider with a flexible cancellation policy for peace of mind!
We recommend our drone photography tours for people like this
For those who have never flown a drone themselves, or those who feel anxious about the complex application process,For those who want to enjoy aerial photography in a short amount of time while travelingWe highly recommend it for...
By letting ProPilot handle the flying, you can capture stunning aerial footage without having to worry about complicated rules.
A special photo for anniversaries or family tripsSo, please give it a try!
Capture Okinawa's breathtaking scenery to cherish forever!
↓Click here for our recommended drone photography tours↓
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Information on Drone Training Sites and Retailers in Okinawa
For those who say, “I want to learn how to fly a drone myself!”—drone lessons in OkinawaPlaces to Practice, Shop, and LearnI'll also introduce that.
Places to Practice Flying Drones in Okinawa
At the Okinawa Drone Station, the prefecture’s firstField Dedicated to Our Company's DronesWe have established a facility where you can practice flying at any time.
Since you can practice at the actual test site, this is reassuring for those aiming to obtain a national certification.
In addition, the Ginowan Drone School conducts hands-on training in a spacious indoor facility, allowing students to practice in an environment unaffected by the weather.
It's a good idea to start with a trial session.
Information on Drone Retailers and Service Centers in Okinawa
If you’re looking to purchase or repair a drone in Okinawa, we recommend visiting specialty drone shops that carry DJI products or using the equipment sales services offered by various drone schools.
When making a purchase,Aircraft Registration (Obtaining a Registration Mark)Since you'll need it, be sure to choose a store with excellent customer support.
There are facilities in Naha City, such as the JDO Drone School Okinawa Naha Maejima Campus, that offer one-stop service covering everything from drone purchases to application support.
If this is your first purchase, please feel free to consult with us while making your selection.
How to Obtain a National Drone License in Okinawa
To obtain a national drone license in Okinawa,Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Registered Training OrganizationIt's best to choose a school that has been certified.
・JDO Drone School
・Ginowan Drone School
・Okinawa Drone Station
For the Second-Class Certification, beginners should expect a training course lasting approximately 4 days, and the cost isAround 100,000 to 200,000 yenThat's the going rate.
Many schools offer these courses online, so you can work toward earning your degree without straining yourself, even while working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drones in Okinawa
No. Flight restrictions or prohibitions apply to areas around Naha Airport, U.S. military bases, Self-Defense Forces facilities, densely populated areas (DID zones), and prefectural parks. Be sure to check the no-fly zones before flying and apply for a permit if necessary.
It’s not required♪ However, depending on the nature of the flight, you may need to apply for a permit or approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Obtaining a national license (Class 2 or Class 1) simplifies certain application processes, so we recommend it for those who want to make full use of drones.
Of course! ☆ If you're nervous about flying it yourself, we recommend a drone photography tour where a professional drone pilot will handle the filming for you! You can capture Okinawa's breathtaking scenery in beautiful aerial photos and videos without having to worry about complicated flight regulations or permits.
summary
If you follow the rules when filming with drones in Okinawa, you can capture some truly breathtaking footage.
If you're thinking, "It's a bit of a challenge to do this on my own...,"Drone Photography Tours Handled by ProfessionalsPlease be sure to consider this as well.
A breathtaking view that can only be seen from the skies above Okinawa is definitely waiting for you!
↓Click here to read the article.
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