Lover’s Bridge, Palau. Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
The cabin doors open, and the first wave of tropical air hits like a soft, salty warmth that feels almost unreal after Tokyo’s sharp winter wind. Outside, palm trees sway under the glow of the runway lights at Palau Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR).
Passengers arriving on the direct flight from Tokyo to Palau step down the stairs still bundled in scarves and jackets as the warm night air settles around them.
Somewhere nearby, waves hum against the reef—a quiet welcome to what might be the Pacific’s most accessible winter destination.
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
For years, getting to Palau from Japan meant a complicated dance of layovers in Guam or Manila that stretched a short getaway into a full-day journey. Now, United Airlines has changed that.
The new Narita–Koror direct flight takes just under five hours, finally reconnecting Japan with one of the Pacific’s most breathtaking island nations.
For those of us used to Japan’s convenience and order, Palau feels familiar yet freeing. The streets are quiet, the smiles are genuine and the days stretch out like they’ve been waiting for you to slow down.
“Today, more than 20% of our population has Japanese ancestry,” says the President of Palau, Surangel S. Whipps Jr. “So we have very close ties, and our values are very similar because of that. And of course, we love the same food too!”
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Photo by Josh Burkinshaw; Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
That connection is felt immediately, from the local warmth that greets you at the airport to the little Palauan and Japanese phrases exchanged in cafes and dive shops.
And with this new route, escaping Tokyo’s gray skies for turquoise lagoons no longer feels like a fantasy. It’s just a Wednesday evening flight away.
The Route Reopened: Tokyo to Palau in Under Five Hours
Getting to Palau from Tokyo has never been easier. Flight UA 143 departs Tokyo (Narita) at 5:55pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing in Koror at 10:50 pm. The return, UA 142, leaves Palau at 11:25am on Thursdays and Sundays, touching down in Tokyo at 4pm.
President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and United Airlines announce the new direct flight from Tokyo to Palau.
Discover flights from Tokyo to Palau on the United Airlines official website.
For Tokyo-based travelers, it’s perfect timing. You can clock out from work, head straight to the airport, and be floating in warm, reef-lined waters by the next morning.
Palau’s compact geography means beaches, restaurants, hotels and dive shops are close once you land. And for those visiting Japan from abroad, it’s an easy follow-up destination: a quick add-on to your Japan trip that feels like stepping into another world.
Palau: A Pacific Gem
Palau isn’t the kind of place that needs filters or flashy slogans. The islands speak for themselves: emerald lagoons, electric-blue seas and thriving coral gardens.
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
The UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a postcard known to many, but it’s just one piece of the story.
Beneath those green limestone domes lies Jellyfish Lake, where you can snorkel among thousands of stingless jellyfish gliding through golden light.
Drifting at Ulong Channel. Photo by PT Hirschfield; Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Turtle on a reef in Palau. Photo by PT Hirschfield; Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Drift dives at Blue Corner and German Channel put you face-to-face with reef sharks, manta rays and walls of vibrant coral. “Our sharks don’t bite, they’re vegetarian,” says President Whipps with a smile.
But the ocean isn’t the only wonder here. “Recently, I went on one of our kayaking tours,” President Whipps shares.
“We have these emerald green islands that are full of trees, right? Usually, you go around in a speed boat… But kayaking gives you a different perspective.
“You look up and you look down… 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, and then 12 species of orchids and several endemic plants and trees in just one area.
“Below and above, there’s an amazing amount of biodiversity.”
The President’s Vision: Protecting Paradise
In an era when tourism often strains the very places it celebrates, Palau is quietly rewriting the rules. Each traveler’s boarding pass carries the Palau Pledge, a promise written for the next generation:
“Children of Palau, I take this pledge, as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home… The only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away.”
Visitors don’t just read it—they sign it, acknowledging their role in protecting the island’s fragile ecosystems.
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
President Whipps puts it simply: “Palau is a leader in conservation and protection because it is ingrained in what we believe in, and we want to share this with visitors.
“We thank you for coming and visiting, because you’re contributing to ensuring that the treasures of Palau continue to be healthy. We protect them not just for Palau, but for the planet.”
Palau’s model of sustainable travel encourages visitors to take part in preservation, not just observation. By traveling thoughtfully, guests become part of the same effort that has kept Palau’s reefs, forests and traditions alive for centuries.
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Travel Tips and FAQs for Visiting Palau
How To Get to Palau From Tokyo?
‣Airline: United Airlines
‣Route: Tokyo (Narita) ↔ Koror (Roman Tmetuchl International Airport)
‣Flight Time:
Approx. 4 hours 50 minutes (Tokyo to Palau)
Approx. 4 hours 35 minutes (Palau to Tokyo)
‣Schedule:
UA 143 departs Tokyo (Narita) Wednesdays & Saturdays at 5:55 pm, arriving Koror 10:50 pm
UA 142 departs Koror Thursdays & Sundays at 11:25 am, arriving Tokyo (Narita) 4 pm
‣Frequency: Twice weekly
Do I Need a Visa for Palau?
Japanese citizens can stay in Palau for up to 90 days visa-free, along with travelers from the U.S., Australia, and most of Europe.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months. On arrival, travelers sign the Palau Pledge, a promise to protect the islands’ environment during their stay.
When Should I Visit Palau?
The dry season runs from December through April, offering calm seas, clear skies and water visibility up to 50 meters.
Divers should aim for February to April, when manta rays and marine life are at their most active.
Photo by Josh Burkinshaw; Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
Where Should I Stay in Palau?
Most accommodations are in Koror, Palau’s main hub, where restaurants, dive shops and transport are easily accessible. The southern islands offer quieter stays for travelers seeking solitude.
Recommended Stay: Palau Pacific Resort
A luxury hotel with beachfront villas, coral reefs right offshore and an emphasis on local sustainability.
Visit the Palau Pacific Resort official website
What Should I Do in Palau?
Beyond the clear lagoons, Palau’s culture and history add real depth to any trip.
‣Diving: Palau offers year-round diving—reefs, wrecks, and drift dives—best during the dry season (December–April).
Recommended Tour: Neco Marine
An eco-focused operator known for experienced local guides.
Learn more about Neco Marine at their official website
‣Snorkeling: Perfect for those without a diving license. Top spots include Big Drop Off, Turtle Wall, Ulong Channel, Nikko Bay, Clam City and the famous Jellyfish Lake.
‣Kayaking: Paddle through the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon with snorkel gear in tow. Explore hidden WWII relics and ancient village sites only accessible by kayak.
Photo by Josh Burkinshaw; Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
‣Cultural Experiences: Book through the Palau Visitors Authority for guided cultural tours.
Highlights include:
Exploring the Ancient Stone Monoliths of Babeldaob
Joining traditional dances and weaving workshops
Visiting Koror’s Sacred Bai meeting house
Image Courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority
‣Fishing: Palau’s waters are home to blue marlin, sailfish, giant trevally, wahoo and tuna.
Fishing here follows the ancient Bul system of sustainable management: knowing when to fish and when not to. With 80% of Palau’s waters protected from commercial activity, it’s one of the world’s top destinations for ethical sport fishing.
Popular methods: bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, spearfishing and catch-and-release.
What Should I Pack for Palau?
‣Reef-safe sunscreen
‣Dry bag
‣Cash (credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere)
Palau runs on slow, island time, so let go of the Tokyo rush. Here, even a coffee takes its time—and that’s the point.
Looking to escape the cold this winter? Check out our other favorite winter destinations from Tokyo:
Escape the Chill: Winter Destinations From Tokyo
What To Do in Winter in Okinawa
Miyako: Explore Okinawa’s Most Underrated Island
Ishigaki Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Food and Hidden Gems in Okinawa
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