The majority of visitors prefer to fly into Itami Airport (ITM) when visiting the vibrant city of Kobe. However, there is more than one airport here, so bear that in mind when organizing your travel plans.

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you consider your options ahead of time. Downtown Kobe is 26 kilometers from Itami Airport (ITM), so it’s wise to know how to get to the city before you touchdown.

Kobe is a hub of travel. Each day, countless people pass through Kansai Intl. Airport (29 kilometers from downtown) and ITM (26 kilometers from downtown). UKB (8 kilometers from downtown) also sees a good deal of air traffic.

There are 45 airlines that jet into Kobe from 53 worldwide airports.

ANA and JAL offer the largest proportion of flights to Kobe. One of the most common ways to get there is on an ANA flight from Tokyo.

Organizing an amazing Kobe vacation is a walk in the park when there are 2,405 nonstop flights each week to get you there.

Travelers often depart from Tokyo, Incheon and Naha airports when going to Kobe.

If you’re going to Kobe from Tokyo, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Those departing from Chitose can expect to be in the air for 2 hours and 8 minutes. From Naha it’s roughly 1 hour and 52 minutes away.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Kobe until the last possible moment. That’s one trick frequent travelers use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Another easy way to get an unbeatable deal is to shop around. If where you’re headed has a few airports, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Finally, be prepared to lock in your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not stick around for long! With a bit of knowledge and a little good fortune, the ideal airfare can be yours.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips that will get your Kobe escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you pack the right things. First of all you’ll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural fibers and remember to pack a pullover just in case you get cold. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy boots in your checked luggage.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights is also recommended.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Kobe, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger 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 be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can’t be taken on board. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.