Many jet-setters choose to fly into Haneda Airport (HND) when visiting the buzzing city of Ichikawa. However, you’ll find more than one airport here, so bear that in mind when organizing your travel plans.

HND is 23 kilometres from downtown Ichikawa, so you’ll have a reasonable commute into the center of the city.

Before flying to Ichikawa, it’s smart to find out which airport is most convenient. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 23 kilometres from downtown. If you arrive at NRT, you’ll find yourself 40 kilometres away from the heart of the city.

There are 72 air carriers that jet into Ichikawa from 125 airports across the globe.

ANA, JAL and Air Do are the most frequent fliers to Ichikawa. The majority of these flights arrive here from Chitose, with ANA having the most services on this route.

Organizing an awesome Ichikawa vacation is a piece of cake when there are 5,448 direct flights each week to get you there.

Flights to Ichikawa departing from Fukuoka, Naha and Itami airports are in high demand.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Chitose to Ichikawa, the average flight time is 1 hour and 43 minutes. From Fukuoka it usually takes 1 hour and 42 minutes, and from Naha it’s 2 hours and 22 minutes.

We all know those jet-setters who manage to pick up wonderfully cheap fares wherever they go. Want to know how to do it for your Ichikawa vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are a few airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you use. Remember to compare prices across air carriers too. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’re well organized. We’ve put together a list of top travel tips that will get your Ichikawa escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. First things first, you’ll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, natural-fiber clothing and pack a jacket in case it gets cool in the cabin. Go for a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your luggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. The good news is there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, get up and wander the aisles as much as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Ichikawa easy and painless. We’ve compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, 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. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.