She is your Modern Adventure host, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone. She will be your go-to for any and all questions around our daily flow, meeting points, times, what to expect and any questions or concerns that may arise.

Having been bitten by the travel bug at a very young age, Marisa began her career while still a student at UC Berkeley, first as a writer for the Berkeley Guides and then as an author for Lonely Planet. Craving more direct human experience, she went on to work for Backroads for 15 years as a trip leader, regional specialist, and trip development specialist. Hanging up her travel shoes (temporarily), she joined chef Sherry Yard and the team at Spago Beverly Hills to spend the next decade diving into her passion for food and wine, managing restaurants for Suzanne Tracht, Susan Feniger, Margherita Sagan, and the entire Mammoth Mountain collection. Marisa joined the Modern Adventure team in early 2021 as the manager of culinary partnerships and is thrilled to be back in the field.

Our local guide is an expert in all things related to our destinations. They are deeply knowledgeable with respect to Japan and local history, culture and customs, and are passionate about sharing that with all of us. They are our interpreter, local host and will introduce us to the local way of life.

What started as a small-scale pottery in 1948 has turned into an American icon. Heath Ceramics produces some of the world's most highly regarded ceramic home goods, believing in quality craft and timeless design, celebrating the process, materials, and people and places behind their products.

Our October 2022 departure is with Robin and Cathy, the husband-and-wife owners of Heath Ceramics. They travel the world in search of inspiration, always looking to further refine their objects, materials and techniques.

We will meet and spend time with local community members, chefs, artisans, vintners, producers and many more. All of our local experts are excited to help us learn more, experience more, and have the best possible experience together.

We offer 24/7 support for all trips from our headquarters in Portland, Oregon. While traveling, the Modern Adventure Support Line is +1 (503) 374-9055. If you experience travel delays or if friends and family need to contact you urgently, this is the number to call.

Modern Adventure is a proud Certified B Corp who believes that travel can be a force for good, and that how we travel matters. Join our growing community of @modernadventurists and tag #MOADtravel on your favorite social media.