If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to think too long which airport to fly into. Fukushima has just one – Fukushima Airport (FKS).

A flight to Fukushima means touching down at Sendai Airport (SDJ) or Fukushima Airport (FKS). The first is 64 kilometres away from the center of the city. The second sits 64 kilometres away.

There are 9 air carriers that service Fukushima from 10 worldwide airports.

Fukushima receives the highest number of flights from JAL, ANA and IBEX Airlines with JAL being the favorite choice of airline. Itami is the most popular city for passengers to depart from.

With 412 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Fukushima before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Fukushima depart from Itami, Fukuoka and Nagoya airports.

If it’s Itami you’re departing, you’ll be in the air for around 1 hour and 8 minutes before you arrive in Fukushima. Tarmac to tarmac from Chitose takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes and from Fukuoka, the flight time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

We’ve all come across those lucky jet-setters who somehow manage to land impossibly cheap fares wherever they go. Would you like to know how to do it for your Fukushima vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score an excellent price by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to book your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Fukushima could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We’ve put together some useful hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of a plane are not the best place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget to bring a sweater as the temperature can drop inside the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are always a good choice too.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long distances is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help reduce this risk.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Fukushima in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.