Yamagata has only one airport, Yamagata Airport (GAJ).

It’s 18 kilometers from Yamagata Airport (GAJ) to downtown Yamagata. Make your life easier by researching the quickest way of commuting from the airport to the city center before you land.

Disembark the plane at SDJ and you’ll be sitting 56 kilometers from the center of town. GAJ also welcomes many travelers to Yamagata. It’s 18 kilometers from the center of the city.

Yamagata is serviced by 9 airlines from at least 12 airports across the globe.

Yamagata receives the largest 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 set off from.

Flying to a new place is much simpler when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re heading to Yamagata, the awesome news is that there are around 433 nonstop flights operating every week.

Travelers frequently depart from Itami, Fukuoka and Nagoya airports when going to Yamagata.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Itami to Yamagata, the average flight time is 1 hour and 12 minutes. From Chitose it’s more or less 1 hour and 13 minutes, and from Fukuoka it’s 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Yamagata until the last minute. That’s one trick seasoned jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and cheaper flights. Another easy way to pick up an unbeatable deal is to shop around. If where you’re headed has more than one airport, be sure to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals never last long.

If you’re not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Yamagata.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you’ll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in breathable clothing and remember to bring a cardigan in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a serious condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. The great news is there are proven ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, wander through the cabin as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Yamagata a piece of cake. Below you’ll find some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They’re the first things you’ll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won’t allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.