Drone Pilot Schools in Japan

These schools train drone pilots in Japan, from first flights to commercial work. Programs, schedules, and pricing change often, so contact each school directly for current details.

7 schools listed
How to become a pilot

The credential is called the Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Skill Certification, with First Class covering Level 4 and Category III operations, and Second Class covering operations up to Level 3.5. The path includes a medical check, a computer-based knowledge test, and a practical exam, though the practical exam is waived for graduates of an MLIT-registered training school.

Exams are administered by a single designated testing body, ClassNK (the Japan Marine Association). The certification is valid for three years. A 3,000 yen license tax is confirmed on MLIT's own site; exam fees are set by ClassNK and not published on a government domain.

Regulator
JCAB / MLIT (Japan Civil Aviation Bureau) ↗ Civil Aeronautics Act Ch. XI
About the regulation

Civil drone operation in Japan is regulated by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), through Chapter XI of the Civil Aeronautics Act, amended between 2020 and 2022. Drones weighing 100 grams or more must be registered via the DIPS2.0 portal, valid for three years, with fines of up to 500,000 yen for flying unregistered.

Operations are sorted into four levels: Level 1 (manual visual-line-of-sight flight), Level 2 (automated visual-line-of-sight flight), Level 3 (beyond visual line of sight over unpopulated areas), and Level 4 (beyond visual line of sight over populated areas). These map to three risk categories, with the highest, Category III, requiring a First-Class pilot certification and no observer.

Confirm current requirements on the authority's official site before you enroll or fly.

This page is for general orientation and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. It is not legal advice: confirm current rules, fees, and permitted zones with your country's civil aviation authority before you fly.

A listing in this directory is not an endorsement, accreditation, or certification of any school, and does not indicate affiliation with or vetting by us. Confirm a school's credentials and authorizations directly with the school and the relevant authority.

Schools

Japan Drone Academy Tokyo Main School

MLIT-registered since 2016, offering the Class 2 national certification path.

TokyoKawaguchiChibaHachioji
Visit website ↗
+81-3-6421-7505

Akihabara Drone School

A Tokyo-based, government-certified drone pilot training school offering personalized instruction at indoor and outdoor flight facilities.

Tokyo
Visit website ↗
0120-940-469

Drone School Tokyo

Japan's largest drone-school group, offering national drone pilot certification and aerial-service training across 12 locations.

TokyoYokohamaOsaka
Visit website ↗
0120-955-023

Other countries in Asia

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If you run a drone training program anywhere in Asia, we would like to include it. Send us the school name, website, and a short description; listing is free.

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