If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to worry which airport to choose. Hiroshima has just one – Hiroshima Airport (HIJ).

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is 40 kilometers from downtown Hiroshima, so be prepared for a decent commute into the city center.

Hop off the plane at Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) and you’ll find yourself 40 kilometers from the downtown area. IWK is another major airport in Hiroshima. You’ll find it 32 kilometers from the center of the city.

You’ll find 4 airlines that service the route to Hiroshima. These fly in from 5 airports around the world.

ANA and JAL frequently fly to Hiroshima. Catching an ANA flight from Tokyo is one of the most popular ways to get there.

With approximately 210 direct flights every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Hiroshima before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Hiroshima departing from Tokyo, Naha and Taipei airports are the most in demand.

If it’s Tokyo you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the sky for around 1 hour and 39 minutes before you touchdown in Hiroshima. Runway to runway from Chitose takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes and from Natori, 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you’d like to save some cash on your Hiroshima vacation, listen up! As any seasoned traveler knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Prices are usually highest close to the departure date. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you fly into. Remember to compare prices across air carriers too. Finally, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book fast. If you stumble on a good deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Hiroshima could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We’ve compiled some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you’ll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good book. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left for other occasions. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

The trick is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Hiroshima in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It’s also likely that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.