Kanto

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Kanto redirects here. For for the character in Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master!, see Kanto Nankai.
Kanto カントー地方
Kantō region
HGSS Kanto.png
Artwork of Kanto from Generation IV
Introduction Red and Green
Professor Professor Oak
First partner Pokémon Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, and Eevee
Regional Villains Team Rocket
League
Pokémon League Indigo League
League Location Indigo Plateau
Pokédex
Pokédex List Kanto Pokédex
Anime
Series Original
Advanced Generation
Season(s) Indigo League (1)
Advanced Battle (8)
Battle Frontier (9)
Games
Generation I, II, III, IV
Games Red and GreenJa
BlueJa
Red and Blue
Yellow
Gold and Silver
Crystal
FireRed and LeafGreen
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Manga
Adventures Debut PS001

The Kanto region (Japanese: カントー地方 Kantō-chihō) is a region of the Pokémon world. It is located east of Johto, and as revealed by the radio show Sinnoh Sound, is located south of Sinnoh. It was the first region to be introduced. It is the setting of the Generation I games and FireRed and LeafGreen; it is also accessible in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver after the quest in Johto is completed.

All cities in Kanto are named after colors (Viridian City, Lavender Town, Indigo Plateau, etc.), with the exception of Pallet Town, which is also a reference to color. Professor Oak is the resident Pokémon Professor and gives Pokémon Trainers a choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle as their starter Pokémon. In Yellow, the only choice is a Pikachu that he recently caught, although he did have an Eevee. In the games, the player begins his or her journey in Pallet Town and ends it at Indigo Plateau.

It is based on and named after the real Kantō region (関東, meaning "east of the barrier") in Japan. Unlike almost every other region, which are specific to their own generations, Kanto has been explorable in the first four generations of Pokémon games. However, it is not the primary region in the Generation II and IV games it appears in, in which players explore the neighboring Johto region before exploring Kanto.

The artwork of Kanto in Generation I and Generation II depict Kanto as grassland, with very few trees. In Generation III and Generation IV, Kanto is seen with more trees, making it less like grassland.

Etymology and design concept

Connection to Japan

Main article: Pokémon world in relation to the real world
The map of Japan showing the Kanto region as the Kantō region.

Regardless of their proximity, the people of Johto and those of Kanto are set apart by many cultural differences. Kanto is based on the real Kantō region in Japan. Compared to the traditional Kansai region (where Johto is based), Kanto is modern and technological, which is reflected in the look of the cities and the buildings like the Pokémon Lab of Cinnabar Island and the Power Plant. This fact is also reflected in Kanto being the only Pokémon region without any legends, myths, or traditions related to Pokémon, and being the centerpoint for innovation, with the Poké Ball's ultimate upgrade, the Master Ball, being recently invented by Silph Co. The soil of the Kantō region is volcanic, referencing the in-game Kanto region's inability to maintain a Berry crop in Generation II, Generation III and Generation IV. People from Kanto are considered to be sophisticated, reserved and formal. Kansai and Kantō, however different, are the two most important areas of Honshū, the largest island in Japan, and, much like Johto and Kanto, represent a harmony of contrasting cultures living together. The cultural divide is most noticeable in the games, as the player talks to and learns about the denizens of both regions.

Tokyo, which the commercial Celadon City and the financial Saffron City are based on, is the most important commercial and economic center of Japan. Yokohama, which Vermilion City is based on, is the main and largest seaport of Japan.

History

An early design of Kanto from Capsule Monsters
Artwork of Kanto from Pokémon Red and Green

The Kanto region is home to a lot of Pokémon and has a rich history of creating Pokémon with technology.

Researchers of Kanto have been great at their job. A researcher working for the evil organization Team Rocket cloned Mew through its genes and created the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo. Porygon, the Virtual Pokémon, was also created by humans in Kanto.

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

In contemporary history, Red/Leaf is given a Pokémon by Professor Oak for personal safety. Professor Oak also gives his grandson, Blue, a Pokémon and asks Blue and Red/Leaf to help him fill the Pokédex, a complete encyclopedia on Pokémon. Thus, the journey of Red/Leaf begins. Red/Leaf travels across the Kanto region and collects all eight Gym Badges. During his/her journey, Red/Leaf comes across Team Rocket, an evil organization behind wrongdoings about Pokémon. Red/Leaf stops Team Rocket and defeats Giovanni, their boss as well as the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym, who then disbands Team Rocket. In the meantime, Blue, who has also collected all of the Kanto Gym Badges, defeats the Elite Four at the Indigo League and becomes the champion of the Kanto region. Finally, Red/Leaf makes it up to him and defeats him to gain the title of the Indigo League Champion.

Three years later, Ethan/Kris/Lyra from Johto comes to Kanto and collects all eight Kanto Gym Badges. Ethan/Kris/Lyra is the current Indigo League Champion and has also met and defeated Red.

Cities, routes, and other locations

The Kanto region features ten towns and cities. There is a wide variety of towns and cities throughout the region; from the large, urban Saffron City to the quiet, quaint town of Pallet. Kanto features a Pokémon League, like most other regions in the Pokémon world. However, since Kanto shares its borders with Johto, it also shares the same Pokémon League. Kanto and Johto are the only known regions that can be crossed with relative ease. Even though Kanto and Johto are culturally and socially different, the two regions are actually very similar in terms of geography.

The Kanto region includes 28 different routes, which acts as roads to cities and towns or points of interest. The Johto region follows Kanto's route number which ends at Route 28 in the Kanto region and begins with Johto's Route 29. Unlike other regions, Kanto does not have routes featuring any sort of weather conditions, such as Hoenn's Route 119 which rains and thunders constantly and Sinnoh's Route 217 in which hail regularly falls. The Kanto region seems to have the most temperate climate of the six main regions.

The connecting landmass between Kanto and Johto doesn't appear to be a fine line; but more or less a blurry one. Route 28 is technically owned by Kanto; however, it bridges the border between the two regions, making it the only route in history that enters two regions at one time. This is similar to Routes 26 and 27, that are strictly Kanto locations; however, they are able to be transported to via HM02 (Fly) from Johto in Generation IV.

Demographics

Including all the cities and towns in the Kanto region, the total population in FireRed and LeafGreen is 391, while in HeartGold and SoulSilver the population is 364.

Cities/Towns

Map City/Town Population Description
Pallet Town HGSS.png Pallet Town 10 A fairly new and quiet town. It's a small and pretty place.
Viridian City HGSS.png Viridian City 30 A beautiful city that is enveloped in green year-round.
Pewter City HGSS.png Pewter City 33 A quiet city nestled between rugged mountains and rocks.
Cerulean City HGSS.png Cerulean City 32 A beautiful city with flowing water and blooming flowers.
Vermilion City HGSS.png Vermilion City 29 A southern city that is bathed in orange by the setting sun.
Lavender Town HGSS.png Lavender Town 41 A small town covered in a beautiful hue of purple.
Celadon City HGSS.png Celadon City 82 A rich, rainbow colored city where people and Pokémon gather.
Fuchsia City HGSS.png Fuchsia City 35 A historic village that has become new.
Saffron City HGSS.png Saffron City 63 The biggest city in Kanto, shining with a golden light.
Cinnabar Island HGSS.png Cinnabar Island 36 / 9 A town used to be here until it was swept away by an eruption.

Anime-exclusive locations

Picture Location Description
Bill Lighthouse.png Bill's Lighthouse Bill's Lighthouse is located somewhere near Cerulean City.
Cameran Palace.png Cameran Palace Cameran Palace is located in the center of Rota.
Camomile Island.png Camomile Island It is an island located in the Kanto region.
Camp Pokéhearst.png Camp Pokéhearst It is a camp located east of Hollywood.
Chrysanthemum Island.png Chrysanthemum Island A popular tourist destination in Kanto featuring a beach and a Contest Hall.
Commerce City.png Commerce City It is a large city with a park and is located somewhere in Kanto.
Cremini Town.png Cremini Town A town close to Tohjo Falls. The Battle Tower, lead by Anabel is also nearby.
Dark City.png Dark City A town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
Evolution Mountain.png Evolution Mountain A mountain located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island. Stone Town lies at its base.
Fennel Valley.png Fennel Valley It is a valley located in the Kanto region.
Gaiva Dam.png Gaiva Dam The dam was once being constructed near Fuchsia City. The workers abandoned the dam to protect the surrounding habitat. The dam was eventually destroyed by Team Rocket.
Gardenia Town.png Gardenia Town The town has a Contest Hall and is located in Kanto.
Grandpa Canyon.png Grampa Canyon A canyon located outside of Neon Town.
Gringey City.png Gringey City A once-thriving city that over-expanded with its factories. As a result, the city has become polluted and practically abandoned. It is located between Celadon City and Fuchsia City.
Hidden Village.png Hidden Village Hidden Village is located between Cerulean City and Vermilion City. Run by Melanie, the village is a place for Pokémon who have been abandoned by their Trainers. She takes care of them until they're ready to return to the wild.
Hollywood.png Hollywood Hollywood is located in western Kanto. It is based on the real-world city Hollywood.
Hop Hop Hop Town.png HopHopHop Town HopHopHop Town is an urban settlement located on the outskirts of Celadon City.
House of Imite.png House of Imite The House of Imite is located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island. Home to Duplica and her Ditto, the House of Imite is also where Duplica and her Ditto perform shows for audiences.
Laramie Village.png Laramie Village A town located on the Laramie Big P Ranch between Fuchsia City and Safari Zone. It is noted for having a festival celebrating the Big P Pokémon Race.
Leaf Forest.png Leaf Forest This forest has an unusual power that can suddenly cause Grass-type Pokémon to evolve.
Maidens Peak.png Maiden's Peak Maiden's Peak is a town located near Saffron City. The town is known for its haunting legend and its festival which is held at the end of every summer.
Matcha City.png Matcha City Matcha City is the location of Dr. Akihabara's laboratory.
Metallica Island.png Metallica Island It is an island located near the Seafoam Islands and the Battle Palace is located there.
Mossgreen Village.png Mossgreen Village It is a small town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
Mt Hideaway.png Mt. Hideaway It is a large mountain located near Pallet Town.
Mulberry City.png Mulberry City Mulberry City is located in the Kanto region and has a Contest Hall.
Neon Town.png Neon Town It is a vibrant town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
New Island.png New Island New Island is the setting of the first movie. It was once the location of Team Rocket secret laboratory. Later in the movie, Mewtwo takes over the island and creates a fortress after the destruction of the laboratory.
Princess Day Festival.png O-Hina Town A town where the Queen of the Princess Festival contest is held.
Old Shore Wharf.png Old Shore Wharf Old Shore Wharf is a docking place. It is where Mewtwo invited Trainers to go to, in order to reach New Island. Miranda works here.
King Statue.png Pokélantis Pokélantis is a lost empire in the proximity of Pewter City. In present day, all that remained of the once thriving city was the tomb of the king who once ruled it. Brandon decided to investigate which ultimately led to the discovery of the tomb, which is baited with many traps.
Pokémon Land.png Pokémon Land Pokémon Land is an amusement park located near Porta Vista.
Pokémon Ninja School.png Pokémon Ninja School A school located close to Fuchsia City were jujutsu is taught.
Pokémon Tech.png Pokémon Tech It serves as a school for those who do not wish to travel to collect the eight Gym Badges. It is also known as Pokémon Technical and is located in between Cerulean City and Vermilion City.
Pokemon Theme Park.png Pokémon Theme Park A large playground where Trainers can leave their Pokémon.
Pokemopolis.png Pokémopolis Pokémopolis is an ancient civilization in close proximity to Pallet Town. It made its only anime appearance in The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis.
Porta Vista.png Porta Vista Porta Vista is a popular tourist destination located between Maiden's Peak and Vermilion City.
Potpourri Island.png Potpourri Island It is an island located in Kanto's seas.
Rifure Village.png Rifure Village It is a tiny establishment located near Cerulean City.
Rota.png Rota A medieval themed city where Cameran Palace is located.
Sable City.png Sable City Sable City is located near Pewter City.
Safari Land.png Safari Land A Pokémon reserve located between Fuchsia City and the Safari Zone where lots of Pokémon live in peace. Located in Safari Land is the Laramie Big P Ranch, owned by the Laramie family.
Sayda Island.png Sayda Island It is a heavily forested island home to the Sayda Lab.
Scissor Street.png Scissor Street It is home to many salons for improving a Pokémon's appearance and strength.
Silver Town Kanto.png Silver Town A town located in Kanto.
Stone Town.png Stone Town Stone Town is a tiny establishment located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
Sunnytown.png Sunnytown Sunnytown is located at one end of the Cycling Road.
Team Rocket Academy.png Team Rocket Academy People train here to become members of Team Rocket.
Terracotta Town.png Terracotta Town A seaside town established on steep cliffs. The town is famous for its unofficial Pokémon Contests.
The Tree of Beginning.png Tree of Beginning It is a gigantic living organism made up of crystals. It is north of Pewter City and Mt. Moon.
Wisteria Town.png Wisteria Town Wisteria Town is located in Kanto.
Xanadu Nursery.png Xanadu Nursery It is a large greenhouse located near Pallet Town.

Mentioned only

Name Notes
Celadon University Celadon University is located in Celadon City and has been mentioned multiple times in various canons, but is only seen in the manga Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All.
Crimson City Mentioned in The Fourth Round Rumble.
Frodomar City Mentioned in Celebi and Joy. It is allegedly the hometown of Ritchie.


Manga-exclusive locations

Picture Location Manga Description
File:Celadon University.png Celadon University Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All Celadon University is located in Celadon City and has been mentioned numerous times in various canons, but is only seen in the manga Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All.
Cerise Island.png Cerise Island Pokémon Adventures
Yellow arc
An unmapped and mostly unknown island located to the west of Cinnabar Island. The headquarters of the Kanto Elite Four, the antagonists of the Yellow arc.
Mt Spirit.png Mt. Spirit The Electric Tale of Pikachu A tall mountain on the outskirts of Fuchsia City. The flag on its peak is the finishing point for the Fuchsia Free-For-All Race.

Areas of interest

Image(s) Location
FR/LG HG/SS
FL Cerulean Cave.png HGSS Cerulean Cave-Night.png Cerulean Cave
FL Digletts Cave.png HGSS Diglett's Cave-Night.png Diglett's Cave
Indigo Plateau FRLG.png Indigo Plateau HGSS.png Indigo Plateau
FL Mt Moon.png HGSS Mt. Moon-Night.png Mt. Moon
FL Pokemon Mansion.png N/A Pokémon Mansion
Pokémon Tower FRLG.png Lavender Radio Tower HGSS.png Pokémon Tower (Generations I and III)
Lavender Radio Tower (Generations II and IV)
Power Plant exterior FRLG.png Power Plant exterior HGSS.png Power Plant
FL Rock Tunnel.png HGSS Rock Tunnel-Night.png Rock Tunnel
Celadon Game Corner FRLG.png Celadon Game Corner HGSS.png Celadon Game Corner
FL Safari Zone.png Pal Park outside HGSS.png Safari Zone (Gens I and III)
Pal Park (Generation IV)
FL Seafoam Islands.png HGSS Seafoam Islands-Night.png Seafoam Islands
Silph Co FRLG.png Silph Co HGSS.png Silph Co.
FL Victory Road.png HGSS Victory Road-Night.png Victory Road
FL Viridian Forest.png HGSS Viridian Forest-Night.png Viridian Forest
Pokemon Stadium.png Pokémon Stadium
(according to its in-game location information in Super Smash Bros. Melee)

Routes

Routes in Kanto began the numbering process, going from 1 to 25 in Generation I and Generation III, but adding three routes to connect to Johto (26, 27, and 28) in Generation II and Generation IV.

Geography

Anime-based map of the Kanto region
Kanto in the anime

The Kanto region has a very temperate climate and not many notable landscape features, though this may be due to the region's origins in the Generation I games.

The majority of the Kanto region are forests and plains. Many of the major Kanto cities are in the center of the region, with close access to virtually every environment such as the sea, mountains, forests, etc. Kanto is mostly dominated by land, but has a large bay in the middle which opens to a sea in the southwest. Kanto has a contrast between urban cities and rural towns. Cinnabar Island is unique in a way that it is built on top of a mountain. The rest of Kanto's cities and towns are generic. Kanto has several mountain ranges, which are mostly in northern and western Kanto. Indigo Plateau and Victory Road mountain range divides Kanto from the neighboring Johto region.

Differences between Generations

Between Generation I and Generation III, Kanto is very much the same with some alterations in respect to the improved graphics and gameplay in the remakes. Additionally in FireRed and LeafGreen, a chain of islands known as the Sevii Islands, located east and southeast of Kanto, are unlocked throughout the player's quest, with the first three accessible once Blaine is defeated on Cinnabar Island. Becoming the Pokémon Champion and getting the National Pokédex unlocks the other islands which make up this archipelago.

In the Generation II games as well as HeartGold and SoulSilver, Trainers may travel from Johto to Kanto and notice that changes have occurred as a result of three years having passed since the time of the Generation I games and FireRed and LeafGreen:

  • The Safari Zone has closed as a result of the warden taking a trip. In Generation II, it is simply inaccessible during normal gameplay while it has been relocated to Johto in Generation IV, with the original area now housing a Pal Park.
  • Cerulean Cave has collapsed. In Generation IV, however; it has since been re-excavated.
  • Cinnabar Island has been destroyed by an eruption of the volcano, and its Gym has been relocated to the Seafoam Islands.
  • In Generation II only, Viridian Forest became drastically smaller and was not a standalone area.
  • Mt. Moon has greatly decreased in size due to rock slides.
  • The Power Plant has become functional.
  • The Pokémon Tower has become a radio tower. The Pokémon graves it housed have been moved to the House of Memories.
  • Blue has taken over Viridian Gym since Giovanni's retreat for training and remodeled the Gym to suit his tastes.
  • Janine has taken over Fuchsia Gym since her father Koga has been promoted to the Elite Four.
  • In Generation II only, the Pewter Museum of Science is closed for renovations.
  • The southern portion of Route 23 was removed in Generation II, and the stone maze that was in the northern portion is gone, leaving a simple, straight path. In Generation IV, though this same northern portion exists, it is labeled as a part of Indigo Plateau, meaning that Route 23 no longer exists.
  • The Badge checks have been combined into the Pokémon League Reception Gate, instead of being scattered along Route 23.

Indigo League

Main article: Indigo League

Gym Leaders

Indigo League
Generations I, II, III, and IV Region: Kanto
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
{{{size}}}
Brock
タケシ Takeshi
Pewter City
ニビシティ
Nibi City
Rock Boulder Badge.png
Boulder Badge
{{{size}}}
Misty
カスミ Kasumi
Cerulean City
ハナダシティ
Hanada City
Water Cascade Badge.png
Cascade Badge
{{{size}}}
Lt. Surge
マチス Matis
Vermilion City
クチバシティ
Kuchiba City
Electric Thunder Badge.png
Thunder Badge
{{{size}}}
Erika
エリカ Erika
Celadon City
タマムシシティ
Tamamushi City
Grass Rainbow Badge.png
Rainbow Badge
VSKoga.png
Koga
キョウ Kyō I III
VSJanine.png
Janine
アンズ Anzu II IV
Fuchsia City
セキチクシティ
Sekichiku City
Poison Soul Badge.png

Soul Badge


{{{size}}}
Sabrina
ナツメ Natsume
Saffron City
ヤマブキシティ
Yamabuki City
Psychic Marsh Badge.png
Marsh Badge
{{{size}}}
Blaine
カツラ Katsura
Cinnabar Island
グレンじま
Guren Island I III
Fire Volcano Badge.png
Volcano Badge
Seafoam Islands
ふたごじま
Twin Islands II IV
VSGiovanni.png
Giovanni
サカキ Sakaki I III
VSBlue.png
Blue
グリーン Green II IV
Viridian City
トキワシティ
Tokiwa City
Ground Various Earth Badge.png

Earth Badge

Elite Four and Champion

Indigo League
Generation I, II, III, and IV
Member
Japanese
Type
{{{size}}}
Lorelei
カンナ KannaI III
{{{size2}}}
Will
イツキ ItsukiII IV
Ice Psychic
{{{size}}}
Bruno
シバ SibaI III
{{{size2}}}
Koga
キョウ KyōII IV
Fighting Poison
{{{size}}}
Agatha
キクコ KikukoI III
{{{size2}}}
Bruno
シバ SibaII IV
Ghost Fighting
{{{size}}}
Lance
ワタル WataruI III
{{{size2}}}
Karen
カリン KarinII IV
Dragon Dark
Spr FRLG Blue 3.png
Champion
Blue
グリーン GreenI III
VSLance.png
Champion
Lance
ワタル WataruII IV
Various Dragon


Trivia

"A map of the Kanto region!
I hope she gives it to me..."

In other languages

Language Name Origin
Korean 관동 Gwandong Either from 関東 (관동), Gwandong, based on the Japanese region, or from 關東 (관동), Gwandong, a region in Korea. Both mean "east of barrier/frontier pass".
Chinese (Taiwan) 關都 Guāndū Transliteration of Kantō. Can either mean "closed capital" or "city of the pass".
Chinese (PRC) 关都 Guāndū
关东 Guāndōng
Same as Taiwanese name.
From 関東 Kantō. Means "east of pass".
Russian Канто Kanto Transcription of English name


See also


Regions in the Pokémon world
Core series Kanto (Sevii Islands) • JohtoHoenn
Sinnoh (HisuiBattle Zone) • Unova
KalosAlolaGalar (Isle of ArmorCrown Tundra)
PaldeaKitakami
Side series White CityOrre
Anime Orange ArchipelagoDecolore Islands
Spin-off games FioreAlmiaObliviaPokémon IslandMintale Town
Ryme CityPasioRanseiFerrumLental
Mystery Dungeon worldPokéParkTCG Islands
Carmonte IslandTumblecube IslandAeos Island
TCG Southern IslandsHolonParallel WorldsPuzzle Continent
Sovereign states in
the Pokémon world
Ranger UnionGuyana
Lucario KingdomMirage KingdomRota


Kanto
Boulder Badge.png Cascade Badge.png Thunder Badge.png Rainbow Badge.png Soul Badge.png Marsh Badge.png Volcano Badge.png Earth Badge.png
Settlements
Pallet TownViridian CityPewter CityCerulean CityVermilion CityLavender Town
Celadon CitySaffron CityFuchsia CityCinnabar IslandIndigo Plateau
Routes
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
Landmarks
Professor Oak's LaboratoryViridian ForestDiglett's CavePewter Museum of ScienceMt. Moon (Square) • Cerulean Cave
Underground Path (Kanto Routes 5–6)Underground Path (Kanto Routes 7–8)S.S. AnneS.S. AquaSea CottageRock Tunnel
Power PlantCycling Road/Pokémon RoadTeam Rocket HideoutSilph Co.Magnet TrainPokémon TowerSafari Zone/Pal Park
GO ParkSeafoam IslandsPokémon MansionCinnabar LabPokémon League Reception GateVictory RoadTohjo Falls
Access to
Sevii IslandsJohto


Project Locations logo.png This article is part of Project Locations, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every location in the Pokémon world.