How to Get Filming Permission in Tokyo — Parks, Streets, Stations and Venues
From "do I even need a permit" to "who, what, and by when": the order that gets a location application approved the first time.
Shoots that go wrong on permits usually did one of two things: asked the wrong office, or asked too late. Each kind of place has its own window and its own logic, so start there.
Note: fees and required documents differ by ward, city and venue and change often. This article only covers who to ask and what to say. Confirm everything with the office directly.
Kinds of places and who to ask
- Parks — metropolitan and ward parks have different managers. Look up the park's management office and phone them for "how to apply to film". Ask about tripods, lights and headcount limits first.
- Roads and sidewalks — using the road or blocking a sidewalk goes through the local police station (road use permission). Even a small walking shoot needs it if you set gear down or stop foot traffic.
- Stations and trains — each railway company has a PR or sales window. Applications are in advance and reviews take days.
- Malls and shops — the building's management company or the tenant's head office. A shop saying yes does not cover the building; ask both.
- Private property (houses, warehouses, factories) — the owner or manager directly. If the place is rented as a house studio or location, filming terms are already in its rules.
What to write in the application
- Date and time (plus a backup day), the exact area, headcount, gear (tripod, lights, power), and the purpose (indie, commercial, social)
- One reference image or storyboard frame. Reviews go faster when they can see what you will shoot
- The on-site lead's contact, and how you will notify them on rain or cancellation
Why applications get refused
- Too late — two weeks minimum; railways and large venues, a month.
- Vague purpose — not "a project" but "a 20-minute short film for screening and streaming".
- No mention of the surroundings — add a line on foot traffic, noise and cleanup.
Pick the location first
The places where permission is certain are the ones that rent for shooting. CREA's location book lists shoot locations and studios with power, parking, natural light and permit notes already written. On days when you cannot afford permit risk, choose from there.
Getting permission is part of the work. People who write a careful application run careful sets.