Flights to Soni-mura, Nara Prefecture from NT$4,618

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and seeing the best of Soni-mura before you know it.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling 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 to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of your airplane are not the place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and take a sweater as it can get quite cool inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are another easy way to help lower your risk.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Soni-mura a pleasure. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container 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 great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.