Can you, and how to, rent an aircraft to fly in Japan?
Can tourists rent an aircraft to fly in Japan?
The short answer is realistically, no. But theoretically, yes.
Here's why:
You need a valid JCAB license
Tourists typically don't have a valid JCAB license. While you may hold an ICAO state-issued license from your home country, you must convert it to a JCAB license to fly in Japan.
If you're interested in renting an aircraft and have time to convert your license, check out our detailed guide on license conversion:
You'll likely need to join a flight club
Japan's aviation system operates differently from other countries. Instead of traditional flight schools, Japan has flight clubs similar to European aeroclubs.
For private flying, you'll typically need to join a flight club to rent aircraft. These clubs charge membership fees (yearly or monthly) that continue even when you're outside Japan, making it financially impractical for tourists.
Can foreign residents rent an aircraft to fly in Japan?
The short answer is yes.
As long as you meet the following requirements, you're eligible: