Modern Adventure founder Luis Vargas is recognized as one of the top travel specialists for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler. This list includes travel experts for every trip and traveler imaginable.

Japan with Heath Ceramics
May 18 - 27, 2024 | Sep 27 - Oct 6, 2024
The Soul of Craft
An unparalleled journey through the artistic zeitgeist of Japan with Heath Ceramics
Two Exclusive Departures
Sold OutMay 18 - 27, 2024
Sold OutSept 27 - Oct 6, 2024
10 Days, 9 Nights
Explore the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima, and the best of Tokyo & Kyoto
You stare at sapphire waters through a darkening haze of wildflowers, shielding your eyes against the blaze of the tangerine-and-pink setting sun. Stars will be out soon, shining bright and close as an art installation. And maybe they are. After all, you’re in Naoshima, the famed Japanese art island nestled in the heart of the Inland Sea, a place where each field and slope is just another canvas for some of the world’s greatest art. You took a bullet train and ferry to get here, and there’s plenty of exploration still to come. But for right now, just breathe it all in.
Your companions on this 10-day journey are icons of modern design. In May of 2024, we travel with Rosalie Wild, the design director at Heath Ceramics for more than a decade, with a design point-of-view that is holistic and interdisciplinary, drawing inspiration from textiles, ceramics, furniture, glass, and other craft practices. In the fall of 2024, we travel with Tung Chiang, the Clay Studio Director at Heath Ceramics. The iconic San Francisco ceramics company produces some of the world’s most highly regarded ceramic tableware and tile. In Japan we’ll meet makers and masters of craft who regularly collaborate with Heath, and explore the materials and techniques that make Japan a deep source of permanent inspiration.
If you possess a boundless passion for art, design and cultural exploration, this trip is for you. If you’re fascinated by ancient rituals and generations of artisans who’ve been perfecting their craft for centuries—and believe that every second of every day should be filled with adventure and moments of quiet wonder alike, join us in Japan.

Explore
Iconic museums, Naoshima art installations, traditional pottery and crafts workshops
Honor
The grace and beauty of an ancient civilization, from monumental shrines to artful tea ceremonies
Connect
With Japan’s world-class art scene and some of its most inspiring working artists and craftspeople
Embrace
The philosophy of wabi-sabi, and in finding beauty in the small and humble

Heath Ceramics
What started as a small-scale pottery in 1948 has turned into an American icon. They produce 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. Join us in Japan for an inspired week of art, design and cultural exploration.

Your Experience

“There is a deep sensitivity to beauty and craft in Japanese culture. It is inspiring to meet people whose dedication to perfection - in all its many forms - weaves through their work and ways of life.”
Tokyo, Teshima, Naoshima, Inujima, Osaka, Kyoto



“On one side, there’s a striving for innovation. On the other, an immense respect for the past and craftsmanship. Neither are downplayed. They both coexist in Japan.”
Our Hosts

Rosalie Wild
Design Director, Heath Ceramics
In March 2025 we travel with Rosalie Wild. Heath's design director has spent more than a decade immersing herself in every aspect of the creative process. Her nuanced understanding of color and materiality, and her passion for design history, makes her an invaluable steward of the institution's legacy. A former design student at Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe in Oaxaca, Rosalie's connection to the region is at once personal and profound.

Tung Chiang
Director of Heath Ceramics Clay Studio
In October 2025, we travel to Oaxaca with Tung Chiang. A gifted designer and ceramist, Tung's career spans graphic design, advertising and industrial design and ceramics. He's constantly moving toward a fusion of thinking, designing and making.
Unique access to people and places. This was a trip we could not have done without Modern Adventure.
One of the best weeks of my life. I definitely want to do another trip with MO/AD.
Everything was perfectly planned and amazing. We were able to explore places that most people never see.
Where We Sleep

Japan leads the world in thoughtful design, and its hotels are no exception. Each of our hotels is a work of art unto itself, perfectly blending modern aesthetics with traditional hospitality.
Conrad Tokyo
TokyoJust seconds from the Shiodome subway station, the Conrad Tokyo rises from the electric hustle below and into the clouds above. Every room exudes Japanese motifs—an ideal blend of historical flourish and understated elegance—while offering a panoramic view of one of the most magnificent cities on Earth.

Naoshima Island
Benesse HouseFew experiences in life can prepare you for staying at Benesse House, a breezy, light-filled gallery space that just happens to moonlight as one of the world’s coziest, most luxurious hotels. The brainchild of architect Tadao Ando, its expanses of concrete, glass, and wood are designed to showcase one of the world’s most stunning indoor-outdoor art collections, the perfect foil to the gently sloping meadows and azure sea just beyond.

Kyoto
Mitsui KyotoAn ode to ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, each room translates centuries of tradition into quiet luxury—spacious bathrooms carved with stone and artisanal cypress accents flow into the hotel’s majestic courtyard and breathtaking spa. A true sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto, the historic Nijo Castle is just across the street.


Book Japan with Heath Ceramics
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
-
What does this price include?
Nine nights at unique five-star accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, many lunches and most dinners; local beverages with meals; gratuity for local drivers.
-
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point (Note: arrival transfers are included in the fall ’24 departure) activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader and local guides.
-
What are the arrival and departure details?
Our adventure begins at the Conrad Tokyo Hotel. in Tokyo, Japan. There are two airports servicing Tokyo – Narita International Airport (NRT) and Tokyo International Airport, Haneda (HND). Our adventure ends in Kyoto, Japan. Your flight home from Kansai International Airport (KIX) should be scheduled to depart at 2pm or later on our final day.
-
What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Japan for stays up to 90 days. The only requirement is a passport that is valid for the entirety of your stay, but we recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date.
Not a US citizen? Please check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
-
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $5,900 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 12 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
-
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure Trip Leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
-
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
-
Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit.