If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to think too long which airport to choose. Morioka has just one – Iwate - Hanamaki Airport (HNA).

The trip from HNA to downtown Morioka is reasonably long. You’ll need to travel 31 kilometres before you can check in to your city hotel.

Travelers heading to Morioka can opt to touchdown at two major airports. AXT is 80 kilometres away from the center of town. Morioka Hanamaki Airport is 31 kilometres away.

You have a couple of choices if you’re jetting to Morioka. Select from 3 air carriers that service the city from 7 airports across the globe.

ANA and JAL are some of the most popular airlines with flights to Morioka. Most travelers use Itami to set off from with ANA flying this route the most.

Planning an unforgettable Morioka vacation is easy when there are 238 direct flights every week to pick from.

Flights to Morioka departing from Itami, Tokyo and Nagoya airports are the most popular.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Itami to Morioka, the average flight time is 1 hour and 23 minutes. From Tokyo it usually takes 1 hour and 5 minutes, and from Chitose it’s 1 hour and 3 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Morioka until the last moment. That’s one trick savvy jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and more affordable flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you use. Remember to compare prices across air carriers too. Last but not least, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you come across a good deal, don’t think twice — snap it up while you can.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you’re well prepared. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Morioka escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, aren’t allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no fashion runway. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and don’t forget to bring a cardigan as it can get chilly in the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are always a good idea too.
• You’ve probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks, drink lots of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Morioka in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives can’t be taken on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.