Johto

A map of Johto as depicted in Pokémon: HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions.
Johto
Type	Region
Debut	Pokémon: Gold Version/Pokémon: Silver Version

Johto is a region of the Pokémon world that was featured in the second generation games. It is connected to Kanto from the first generation games and is located to the west of it. Johto was later expanded further with when the second generation was remade with Pokémon: HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions.

General Information

Johto is a neighboring country of Kanto which is found west of the mountains. It is a somewhat more rural area and contains many towns which are smaller and utilize historical architecture. Goldenrod City (and to a smaller extent Olivine) is the main exception due to being a more modern city. Johto also contains two landmasses; the second, much smaller landmass contains Cianwood City as well as a larger amount of locations in HeartGold/SoulSilver. Johto has a history that is more steeped in mythology compared to Kanto, and its people have a strong connection to the legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh. This region's local Pokémon Professor is Professor Elm. During the events of the second generation, Gold/Lyra sets off on a journey across Johto and challenges its gyms. Team Rocket's remnants, under the command of Archer and Ariana, became active here and performed several schemes to gain power and attract their old leader Giovanni. However, Gold/Lyra was able to definitively defeat Team Rocket and went on to become champion by defeating the Elite Four. Notably, this champion went on to challenge Kanto's gyms and ultimately Red himself, the champion from Kanto.

Johto and Kanto are separated by a large mountain range. There are three main methods of transportation between the two regions. One is by taking the Magnet Train between Goldenrod City and Saffron City. The second method is to sail there on the SS Aqua. The third option is the on-foot path which involved traveling down Route 27 and through the Tohjo Falls. It is also possible to travel between the two regions by Flying to a location that is shared by the two regions such as Mt. Silver or the Indigo Plateau.

History and Mythology

Johto was inhabited by a mysterious ancient civilization 1500 years ago. They communed with the Unown and built the Ruins of Alph. They later left to parts unknown and possibly had a hand in building the Unown ruins of other regions. However, the Unown of Johto remained hidden within the Ruins of Alph, where they could only be summoned with signals from solving sliding-tile puzzles. At some point, the ancient civilization of Johto met with one from Sinnoh, and they worked together to build the Sinjoh Ruins at some point that seems to be north of Johto.

Johto has several myths which are associated with their legendary Pokémon. There are Ecruteak's two towers, the Brass Tower and the Bell Tower, which were originally built 700 years ago. These towers were associated with the legendary birds Lugia and Ho-Oh, and it was possible to summon them there through a special ceremony. However, during a terrible storm, the Brass Tower was hit by lightning, caught on fire and burned down. This caused Lugia to abandon the area and stay in the Whirl Islands instead. At the same time, three Pokémon were said to have been caught in the fire and perished. Ho-Oh descended from the sky and decided to resurrect them. These Pokémon were reborn as the three legendary dogs: Raikou, Entei and Suicune.

Native Pokémon

Johto contains a mix of its own Pokémon and Pokémon from Kanto. There are a hundred unique species in Johto's Pokédex, but out of these there are nineteen which are actually newly discovered Pokémon from the evolutionary lines of Kanto's Pokémon. The Johto Pokédex combines all of the Pokémon from the two regions for a total of 251 Pokémon. However, not all of the Pokémon listed there can be found in Johto; Kanto's starter and legendary Pokémon as well as a good amount of Kanto species were not found in Johto. Johto's starter Pokémon and select evolved or baby forms of other Pokémon were also not found in the wild. HeartGold/SoulSilver later expanded the Johto Pokédex to 256 by adding five Pokémon from the fourth generation that evolved from Johto Pokémon. It also even became possible to catch Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokémon through special means; they could appear when playing Hoenn or Sinnoh Sound on the radio as well as at the Safari Zone under special conditions.

Johto has three starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile. The legendary Pokémon associated with Johto include the three legendary dogs Raikou, Entei and Suicune, the two legendary birds Lugia and Ho-Oh, and the time-traveling Pokémon Celebi. In HeartGold/SoulSilver, Hoenn's legendary Pokémon Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza could also be drawn to the Embedded Tower.

Pokémon League

Johto and Kanto are unique in that they share a Pokémon League. Johto has its own set of eight gyms which are independent from those in Kanto. Having eight gym badges from either Johto or Kanto will allow one to challenge the Elite Four at Indigo Plateau, which is located in Kanto.

HeartGold/SoulSilver also adds a Battle Frontier located near Olivine City. This is the same Battle Frontier that was located at the Battle Zone in Platinum, down to the same Frontier Brains.

Locations

Routes

Johto originally contained Routes 29 through 46, many of which are plain grass routes. Routes 40 and 41 are water routes. Route 37 also contains MooMoo Farm, where Miltank are raised to produce MooMoo Milk. There is also Route 27, which transitions into Kanto. Route 28 is closer to Kanto, but it (and Mt. Silver) seems to count as part of both regions. HeartGold/SoulSilver added Routes 47 and 48 connecting from Cianwood City to the Safari Zone. These routes go along a cliff area with a large body of water beneath that can be navigated. Route 47 also has several caves, including the Cliff Cave where some wild Pokémon appear and another cave that connects to Cianwood City.

Cities and Towns

• New Bark Town - This is a small, windy town where Gold and Lyra begin their journeys. It also contains Professor Elm's laboratory and family home. It connects to Route 27 eastward (by surfing) and Route 29 westward.
• Cherrygrove City - Cherrygrove is a small shoreside city that is associated with fragrant flowers and the sea breeze. It connects to Route 29 eastward and Route 30 northward.
• Violet City - Violet City is described as an old village that is still in touch with nature and follows traditional architecture. It contains Sprout Tower, which is inhabited by monks who revere Bellsprout. Sprout Tower was built long ago as a place to train Pokémon and is sustained by a central pillar that is said to have been a giant Bellsprout. Violet City also has Earl's Pokémon School and the first gym of Johto's Pokémon League, which is led by Falkner. It connects to Route 31 eastward, Route 32 southward and Route 36 westward.
• Azalea Town - This is Johto's humble southern town, where people and Pokémon live in harmony. The locals revere Slowpoke and keep them as pets. The town is home to Kurt, the Poké Ball crafter, as well as Bugsy's Pokémon gym. The town also contains a well known as Slowpoke Well which contains an underground cave filled with Slowpoke. Team Rocket targets this town and steals the Slowpoke to cut their tails off and sell them as trinkets, while based in the well. This operation was shut down by the player. Azalea Town connects to Route 33 eastward and Ilex Forest westward.
• Goldenrod City - Goldenrod City is a developing city which is the largest city of Johto. Its many attractions include the Radio Tower, Goldenrod Department Store, the Goldenrod Game Corner, a Magnet Train station and an underground tunnel which contains different business depending on the day. HeartGold/SoulSilver adds the Global Terminal and a Flower Shop. It also has a gym which is led by Whitney. The Radio Tower is taken over by Team Rocket in the climax of their Johto activities until Archer's defeat by Gold/Lyra's hands. It connects to Route 34 southward and Route 35 northward.
  

  A sunset at Ecruteak City.
• Ecruteak City - Ecruteak is a fairly large city which is deeply connected to Johto's histories. It contains the two towers that were built to commemorate Ho-Oh and Lugia. However, the Brass Tower, which was Lugia's Tower, burned down 150 years ago and became the Burned Tower. The three legendary dogs slept in its basement until awakened, and Suicune returned there for battle in HeartGold/SoulSilver. The other tower was the Bell Tower, where Ho-Oh could appear to one bearing a Rainbow Wing. Ecruteak City's other main attraction was the Dance Theater, the home of the Kimono Girls who had a strong link with Lugia and Ho-Oh in HeartGold/SoulSilver. This city also contains Morty's Pokémon gym. It connects to Route 37 southward, Route 42 eastward and Route 38 westward.
• Olivine City - This acts as Johto's port town. Its landmark is a lighthouse (known as the Glitter Lighthouse) that is powered by an Ampharos. Olivine contains a large pier and is naturally filled with sailors, who are accomodated at the Olivine Cafe. The SS Aqua sails from here to Vermilion City in Kanto. It is also the home of Jasmine's Pokémon gym. Olivine connects to Route 39 northward and the Route 40 southward.
• Cianwood City - Cianwood is a beachside city that is on the eastern edge of Johto's smaller landmass. It is a small city that is filled with rocks and is known for its pharmacy. It also has a Pokémon gym which is led by Chuck. It connects to Route 41 eastward. HeartGold/SoulSilver adds a cave in the western wall which leads to Route 47.
• Mahogany Town - Mahogany Town is a small and unassuming northern town that is actually suspicious. It has been described as a hiding place for ninjas and also held a Team Rocket base at one point. Team Rocket's base was hidden under a souvenir shop which was run legitimately following the group's defeat at the hands of Gold/Lyra. The town also contained Pryce's gym. Mahogany Town connects to Route 42 westward, Route 43 (and the Lake of Rage) northward and Route 44 eastward.
• Blackthorn City - This is a mysterious mountain village that was cut into a rock face. It is home to the dragon clan which includes Lance and Clair, the latter being the leader of the local Pokémon gym. The town contains a cave known as the Dragon's Den, which is filled with water and contains Dragon-type Pokémon. Retrieving a Dragon Fang from the den is a special test for young members of the dragon clan. The Dragon's Den also contains a shrine where the elders of the dragon clan reside. Blackthorn is accessed only through the Ice Path and connects southward to Route 45 (and the Dark Cave).

Forests, Caves and Other Features

• Dark Cave - As its name suggests, it is a dark cave which runs beneath the Johto region. It can only be illuminated using Flash and has three entrances at Routes 30, 45 and 46. The cave can only be fully navigated from the entrance at Route 45.
• Ruins of Alph - These mysterious ruins of an ancient civilization are now a tourist site. There are several different halls which contain puzzles that, when solved, will make different types of Unown appear in the underground ruins. There are also hidden areas containing items that can be unlocked. The player can access more of the ruins as they progress through the game and get more HM abilities, and some of the chambers can only be accessed through hidden paths in Union Cave. All of the puzzles involve legendary or fossil Pokémon. The Ruins of Alph are also connected to an event, as bringing an Arceus there causes its power to combine with that of the Unown to teleport the player to the Sinjoh Ruins temporarily. The Ruins connect to Route 32 eastward and Route 36 northward.
• Union Cave - Union Cave is a deep cave which is connected to the ocean, so it is filled with water. A single Lapras appears in the lowermost lake every Friday night. It connects Routes 32 and 33. Additionally, there are hidden paths to parts of the Ruins of Alph which can be unlocked later on.
• Ilex Forest - This is a large, mystical forest. The trees here are used to make charcoal. It is most notable as containing Celebi's shrine, which could only be unlocked with the GS Ball in the Japanese edition of Pokémon Crystal. In HeartGold/SoulSilver, the shrine is also used for several events involving Celebi. The forest is reached through Azalea Town's westward exit and connects to Route 34 northward.
• National Park - This is a spacious and beautiful park that is known to be filled with Bug-type Pokémon. Bug-Catching Contests are held here on certain days of the week. HeartGold/SoulSilver adds the Pokéathlon Dome, which is connected to the park. There the player can use their Pokémon for special Pokéathlon events.
• Whirl Islands - The Whirl Islands are a set of four islands located along Route 41. They are protected by whirlpools that are hard to navigate without the Whirlpool HM. The islands contain an interconnected network of caves. This area is most notable as containing Lugia's resting place.
• Mt. Mortar - This mountain contains a large and spacious cavern which has several waterfalls. It is the training place of the Karate King, Kiyo and is an optional destination. Mt. Mortar has three entrances along Route 42.
• Lake of Rage - This is a large lake located in the northern area of Johto. It is filled with Magikarp and Gyarados. Team Rocket targets this area with their special microwave which forces the Magikarp to evolve into Gyarados prematurely. One particular Gyarados is a Red Gyarados. The lake was restored to normal after Team Rocket was thwarted. It connects to Route 43 southward.
• Ice Path - This is a frigid cave that is inhabited by Ice-type Pokémon. It connects Route 44 to Blackthorn City.
• Tojho Falls - This area, its name being a play on "Johto", is cave with a set of waterfalls. It is located at Route 27 and connects Johto to Kanto. Additionally, Tohjo was revealed to be Giovanni's hiding place in HeartGold/SoulSilver.
• Mt. Silver - Mt. Silver is a dangerous mountain area with a cave that is located between Kanto and Johto, and it seems to be counted as part of both regions. This is where the Kanto champion Red went to continue his training, and the cave also contains a Moltres in HeartGold/SoulSilver. Mt. Silver is accessed through Route 28.
• Battle Frontier - One of the locations added in HeartGold/SoulSilver, the Battle Frontier is located along the shore of Route 40, just to the west of Olivine City.
• Embedded Tower - Located on Route 47, this is one of the locations that was added for HeartGold/SoulSilver. It is a mysterious, ancient tower that was built by people from Hoenn. Groudon, Kyogre or Rayquaza could be summoned to the tower's exterior with special orbs.
• Safari Zone - Johto's Safari Zone was added for HeartGold/SoulSilver. It is located at the end of Route 48 and is opened by Baoba after the Ampharos at Olivine City is healed. This Safari Zone is different in that it has six areas, and the environment of each area can be swapped. The Safari Zone only becomes fully customizable after the player completes Baoba's two simple tasks, at which point the player is appointed as the Safari Zone's true owner. After the National Pokédex is unlocked, it is possible for Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokémon to be found here. The player can also place objects in the different areas, which can attract more rare Pokémon.

Other Appearances

Other Media

• In the Pokémon anime, Ash's group explored the Johto region in the third series of their anime, following a filler arc at the Orange Islands. This emphasized the separation from game canon, as the anime followed Ash, Misty and Brock from Kanto in Johto rather than introducing a new Johto protagonist as the second generation games did. The anime also expanded the region with various new cities and islands to make more episodes possible. This series also continued the anime tradition of ending the Pokémon League challenge with an open tournament instead of an Elite Four battle (in fact none of the second generation's new Elite Four members ever appeared), with the tournament being known as the Silver Conference. Johto has otherwise primarily been revisited in some specials, which feature a group of trainers from the Johto region, two of whom were based on Gold and Kris. Additionally, the Sinnoh series also featured a pair of trainers from Johto in several episodes to tie into the release of HeartGold/SoulSilver, with one of the rookie trainers being based on Lyra.
• Within the Pokémon Adventures manga, Johto was featured as the setting for the Gold/Silver/Crystal arc. This arc had some interesting deviations, as it was the one arc where none of the protagonists challenge any gyms. Instead of a championship tournament, this arc featured a tournament pitting Johto's gym leaders against those of Kanto. The arc also ended with the formation of the second generation's Elite Four, although it is uncertain whether they would actually wind up being part of the Pokémon League. Johto was later revisited in the HeartGold/SoulSilver arc.

Trivia

• Johto is based on the real-life Kansai region. Its name was derived from a Kanji meaning "castle palace" or "lattice-shaped palace". As for Johto's cities and towns, they follow a plant-related naming scheme.
• Johto is notable among the regions in that it is directly connected to Kanto (with later games being vague about where the other regions are in relation to each other) and that many of its features are co-opted from Kanto, such as its Pokémon League and Victory Road, as well as the local antagonists being Team Rocket again (whereas all later generations would use original villain teams). There are also some features that would become traditional but are not featured in Johto such as a haunted area or a method of obtaining fossil Pokémon, as those had been used in the first generation.
• This region was used to start one tradition, however, as it was the first region to feature a mysterious ancient civilization that was connected to the Unown.