Johto: Difference between revisions

If you were looking for the musical group, see Johto (musical group).

The Johto region (Japanese: ジョウト地方 Jōto-chihō) is a large area located west of Kanto. Johto and Kanto are part of a large landmass, with everything west of Indigo Plateau falling in the Johto region. Though it is unlike Kanto in that its name is not directly based on that of a region of Japan, Junichi Masuda has come forward in his director's column naming the kanji that inspired the name mean "castle palace" (城都) or "lattice-shaped palace" (条都)^[1]; this meaning is connected to the city of Nara, which was the basis for Violet City.

First explored in Pokémon Gold and Silver, it is home to an additional 100 Pokémon that were not present in previous games. In the Generation II games and their remakes, players begin their journey in New Bark Town, where Professor Elm offers either Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile to beginning Pokémon Trainers. The English-version names of most of the cities in Johto are also the names of plants or things related to plants.

Johto returns in Generation IV's HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions with all areas from its Generation II iteration returning, and several new areas being accessible, such as the Safari Zone, with new Routes 47 and 48 leading to it.

Etymology and design concept

Main article: Pokémon world in relation to the real world#Johto

Regardless of their proximity, the people of Johto and those of Kanto are set apart by many cultural differences. Johto is based on the real Kansai region in Japan. This trait is most noticeable in its geography; however, the Kansai influence also defines the culture in Johto. Kansai residents are known for their attitudes against typical Japanese standards, mostly due to the historical rivalry between the region, once the major seat of political power, and the real Kantō region where Tokyo, the current capital, is located. The soil of the Kansai region is rich, unlike the volcanic Kantō region, and this is perhaps referenced by the in-game Kanto region's inability to maintain a berry crop in Generation II and Generation III. People from Kansai are considered to be more relaxed. 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.

Certain cultural aspects of the Johto region are deep-seated in Japanese history, as well. Kyoto, which is probably the basis for Ecruteak City, is considered the cultural center of Japan. Kyoto and its many historical temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and architecture have been preserved. This connection to history is reflected in many areas of Johto. However, Goldenrod City (like Osaka) is typically modern.

History

1500 years before modern times, the place now known as the Ruins of Alph was built in Johto, and the earliest known system for writing—the modern Latin alphabet—was developed. Although no one knows exactly who built the Ruins of Alph, research indicates that the people in question were an ancient civilization that wished to co-exist with the enigmatic Unown that bear great similarity to the alphabet letters. Not only did that tribe impart messages on the ruins' walls describing the Unown, but they also erected a Pokémon statue for an unknown reason.

At some point later, outsiders began to gather near the ruins. As the Unown were timid creatures, they rejected contact with anyone but the clan that protected them. To ensure the Unown's well being, the Ruins of Alph's inhabitants decided to leave the region, but not without devising complicated puzzles so that one day the Unown could be summoned again. As for the clan, their quest led them to a mountain far to the north, where they met another group of people who had hailed from the Spear Pillar. Together, the two groups built a temple in honor of Arceus, which incorporated elements from both the Ruins of Alph and the Spear Pillar; this collaboration probably has to do with the underlying relationship between Arceus and the Unown. The temple, too, has since been left in ruins and its lowest floor is now known as the Sinjoh Ruins; however, the ritual of honoring legendary Pokémon through dance circulated back to Johto, specifically to Ecruteak City.

Approximately 700 years before modern times, the people of Ecruteak built two nine-tier towers with the hopes of fostering friendship and hope between Pokémon and humans. They were the Brass Tower in the west, which was said to awaken Pokémon, and the Bell Tower in the east, where Pokémon were said to rest. Both towers became the roost of powerful flying Pokémon: Lugia and Ho-Oh, respectively. It is unknown what made the residents revere Lugia and Ho-Oh, but a separate tale indicates that Lugia had previously had an encounter with the people of Johto when it stopped a war on the Whirl Islands, which were a single island at that time.

The towers stood strong for about 550 years, when a lightning bolt struck the Brass Tower. It was engulfed in flames that raged for three days. A sudden downpour finally put out the blaze, but it had already burnt to the ground. Three nameless Pokémon perished in the fire, but Ho-Oh descended from the sky and resurrected them. The revived Pokémon were made to embody three powers: the lightning that struck the tower, the fire that burned the tower, and the rain that put out the fire. When the Pokémon appeared, they struck terror in those who saw their rise. The three Pokémon, knowing their own power, fled, running like the wind off into Johto's grassland. Similarly, both Lugia and Ho-Oh flew away at the sight of the growing distance between people and Pokémon; while they never returned to Ecruteak, they yearned for a person to touch the hearts and souls of Pokémon once more.

Around these times other, smaller events occurred. 500 years before modern days, the Cianwood City Pharmacy, the world's oldest pharmacy, was built. Around 400 years ago, Azalea Town in Johto was struck by a long-term drought wave; after bringing the rain back once again by yawning, Slowpoke gained an honorable position in that town.

In contemporary history, Ethan/Kris/Lyra leaves New Bark Town on an errand for Professor Elm. A red-haired boy steals one of Elm's three Pokémon, and challenges him/her as Ethan/Kris/Lyra's journey across Johto continues. A revived Team Rocket from the Kanto, using plans formulated three years prior, enrages many Gyarados, including a red one, at the Lake of Rage; they then proceed to take over the Goldenrod Radio Tower in a desperate attempt to contact Giovanni. When they are defeated and Giovanni fails to return due to Celebi's intervention, the interim leader, Archer, vows to never again re-form Team Rocket. Ethan/Kris/Lyra continues to gather Johto's badges, eventually gaining all eight and traveling to the Pokémon League at the Indigo Plateau in Kanto, later to defeat the current Champion and get into the Hall of Fame.

But Ethan/Kris/Lyra's most notable effect on Johto lies in their ability to encounter all three of the legendary beasts, as well as summon the Unown, Lugia and Ho-Oh after their long absence. A new chapter in the region's history begins.

Cities, routes, and other locations

In-game map of the Johto region from Generation IV games

Johto has twelve cities and towns. These sites act as settlements for people to live and work in a functioning society. The Safari Zone Gate and Frontier Access act as towns, but they appear to be more of a tourist destination and are not considered cities or towns. As Johto has no autonomous Pokémon League, Kanto shares a League with the region, which borders between Johto and Kanto. Because of this, the two regions share a connection with each other, and unlike any other region, they are able to be traversed to with relative ease. Due to this landmass connection, the geography of Johto is relatively similar to that of its neighbor region.

The Johto region has 20 different routes, which are passages permitting trainers to travel from one location to the next with relative ease. Johto and Kanto share the same route system, and therefor starts at Route 29, picking up from where Kanto's left off at Route 28. The numbered routes count up to 48, with Routes 47 and 48 leading off into the far west only being accessible in Generation IV. Compared to the Kanto region, there aren't many sea routes; there are many land routes and mountains. Some areas such as Route 33 are constantly raining, or are purged with other weather conditions; however, this wasn't seen until Generation IV.

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

The Johto region, including all the towns, cities, and other areas, the total population in HeartGold and SoulSilver is 441.

Cities and towns

Map	City/Town	Population	Description
File:HGSS New Bark Town.png	New Bark Town	11	A town where the wind blows and tells of impending change.
File:HGSS Cherrygrove City.png	Cherrygrove City	22	A city where you can smell small flowers and a sea breeze.
	Violet City	52	This old village is still surrounded by trees and other scenery. Sprout Tower is located here; it is a tower where they study diligently to learn to live with Pokémon.
	Azalea Town	31	A town where people and Pokémon live together in simple harmony. Slowpoke Well is located here; when Slowpoke are thirsty, they come here to drink.
File:HGSS Goldenrod City.png	Goldenrod City	126	A developing city where people and Pokémon come and go as they like.
File:HGSS Ecruteak City.png	Ecruteak City	46	A city that even now bears the marks of its history. Located here are Bell Tower, a tower that's said to have a legendary Pokémon that lands there, and Burned Tower, a tower that was hit by lightning, and subsequently caught fire and burned.
File:HGSS Olivine City.png	Olivine City	47	A city where you can hear the melody of the sea. Glitter Lighthouse is located here; it shines brightly over the ocean with the power of Ampharos.
File:HGSS Cianwood City.png	Cianwood City	27	A beachside city that has benefitted greatly from the sea.
File:HGSS Mahogany Town.png	Mahogany Town	26	A town with a suspicious air to it. It's a hiding place for ninjas.
File:HGSS Blackthorn City.png	Blackthorn City	40	A mysterious mountain village cut into a rock face. Dragon's Den is located here.
	Safari Zone Gate	13	A place where you can experience wild thrills safely.
File:Frontier Front.png	Frontier Access	??	A place where people from all over come to show off their strength.

Landmarks

View of Ecruteak City, with Mt. Silver towering over the region in the distance

Johto features some unique and scenic landmarks, whether they be natural or man-made. It prides itself towards mythology and tradition features, with most of the buildings, towers, caves, and locations holding a historical background. Some of the oldest places in Johto, even the Pokémon world, include the Ruins of Alph, Sprout Tower, Bell Tower, Burned Tower, and the Slowpoke Well. The Ruin of Alph, located in central Johto, is the threshold to an ancient civilization that first contacted the Unown, and became the base of which the first system for writing was formed. The Ruins of Alph have said to have been around for at least 1500 year before modern times which makes it one of the first known structures built in the history of Pokémon. As of today, the ruins are being researched by scientists and are able to be visited as a tourist attraction by visitors. The two towers of Ecruteak City which include the Bell Tower and the Burned Tower are oldest towers in the Pokémon world, dating back to 700 years ago. The two nine-tier towers were built to foster friendship and hope between Pokémon and people and the view from the top of the towers was said to be magnificent. The towers attracted many people to the city, until about 150 years ago, a lightning bolt struck the western tower, engulfing it in flames, burning the tower down. The towers are surrounded in mystery, and are said to be home to legendary Pokémon, however, at this present point, only the ruins of the Burned Tower can be explored by Trainers, and the Bell Tower is off limits to most people.

Another famous historic location is the Sprout Tower, located in northern Violet City. The Sprout Tower is a tiered tower with multiple eaves, and much like the Bell Tower and the Burned Tower, it is constructed solely out of wood, creating a multi-story effect. Surrounding the tower is a beautiful lake in the center of Violet City, hosting several architectural bridges making its way across the water. Sprout Tower is dedicated to the gentle and peaceful nature of Bellsprout. The giant spine-like pillar located in the center of the tower acts as a support for the old tower structure, and it even protects the tall tower from sudden earthquakes. It is said that the main swaying pillar was, in fact, once a 100-foot-tall Bellsprout. Spout Tower is four stories tall. The ground floor is much like a visitors floor, where tourists come to see the unique style of which the tower was formed. There are three other upper levels, which are dedicated to Pokémon Training; monks who study diligently and train their gentle Bellsprout come to teach that all living beings coexist through cooperation.

A unique map of Johto

Johto also features several different kinds of natural caves and mountains including Mt. Mortar, Mt. Silver, Dark Cave, Ice Path, Cliff Cave, and Union Cave. Mt. Mortar is a cave complex that travels through Johto's north-most mountain range. It is known by Trainers to be a confusing maze-like area with an interior cave known as the Waterfall Cave. Mt. Mortar has three entrances and is huge inside, one of the largest of all caves in the Johto. It has four floors, and its high Pokémon-encounter rate makes getting lost very costly. It has Surfable waterways, Waterfalls, Strength puzzles, and multiple levels. Dark Cave travels through central Johto, and although the dark caves run beneath the surface of the region, the mountain range is large and a barrier between areas of the region. Mt. Silver, in the east, is also quite large and complex splitting the two regions of Kanto and Johto in half, housing many powerful Pokémon, and it is where the most skilled Trainers train their Pokémon. Another natural landmark in Johto is Ilex Forest located just west of Azalea Town. The forest's trees are so close together that all light is blocked out, and the forest seems to be in a perpetual night.

Some famous man-made landmarks include the Goldenrod Radio Tower, Battle Frontier, Pokéathlon Dome, and Safari Zone. The Goldenrod Radio Tower is a five-story tower located next to the Magnet Train station in downtown Goldenrod City. The radio tower broadcasts numerous programs daily, the most prominent of such being Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk and Buena's Password. For a short period time the tower fell victim to the clutches of Team Rocket, during which time none of the normal broadcasts were aired. The Battle Frontier, Pokéathlon Dome, and Safari Zone are all recently built attractions which provide entertainment and fun for tourists, allowing visitors to participate in activities and rides which require the help of Pokémon to complete.

Although the Johto region prides itself on the beach and some of its sea-side towns, the region has very few aquatic landmarks. The Lake of Rage is the region's most prominent water attraction, said to have been a smoking crater until it filled with rainwater. The lake is home to the world famous red Gyarados. Because of this irritable Pokémon, the lake was marked a dangerous place to go, since the Gyarados started tipping over boats and scaring swimmers. Another famous water landmark is the Whirl Islands. Named after the dangerous whirlpools that surround them, the Whirl Islands are four islands between Olivine and Cianwood City that are connected by a maze-like cavernous structure under the water's surface. It is said that at the heart of the caves a legendary Pokémon can be found.

Anime-exclusive locations

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Add more locations, descriptions, pictures

Picture	Location	Description
	Alto Mare	Alto Mare is known as the city of water and is the Johto region's Venice. It is an island in between Johto's southwestern coast and the islands of eastern Hoenn. Alto Mare is the setting of Pokémon Heroes.
	Arborville	Arborville is a small town a few miles north of Olivine City. It is located in a big forest so all the houses are built in trees. Some residents include, Towa, Diana, and Mr. White. It appeared in Celebi: Voice of the Forest.
File:BattleParkJohto.png	Battle Park	It is a facility located in northern Johto, between Mahogany Town and Blackthorn City. Trainers battle against a series a powerful, random rental pokémon. They are trained to only be obedient inside the park. It is similiar to the Hoenn Battle Frontier. The Battle Park appeared in One Trick Phony!.
	Big Town	Big Town is a large town located in Johto. There are many apartment buildings as well as a skyscraper. Some notable monuments include Magikarp and Tauros statues and a fountain. The town first appeared in Pikachu and Pichu.
	Bloomingvale	Bloomingvale is located between Violet City and Azalea Town. The town is famous for its Sunflora. It is a warm and hilly area with many houses and it is sunny almost every day. The Sunflora contest is held here every year.
	Bluefinland	Bluefinland is a port town on Blue Point Isle.
	Blue Lagoon	It is a large lake located on Blue Point Isle which contains a large colony of Chinchou. The town of Bluefinland is settled right next to the lake.
	Blue Moon Falls	A beautiful waterfall in which the Quagsire reside.
	Blue Point Isle	Blue Point Isle is the largest island in the archipelago of Whirl Islands. The island serves as the entryway to the archipelago and is located to the northeast of Cianwood City.
	Bonitaville	Bonitaville is a city located in Johto. Occasionally, Pokémon Beauty Contests are held in this city.
	Catallia City	The city is located between New Bark Town and Cherrygrove City. Instead of using Growlithe, the Officer Jennys use Spinarak.
File:Charicfic Valley.png	Charific Valley Natural Reserve	Located just outside of Violet City, the Charicific Valley is a training ground for Charizard so they can become stronger. It is distinguishable by its rock formation in the shape of a giant Charizard. The only known human who lives in the valley is Liza, who, along with her Charizard, Charla, protects the valley from danger.
	Diglett Village	It is a tiny village established on Red Rock Isle. Diglett Village was once a harsh desert, but with the help of Diglett, they transformed the area into a lush farmland.
	Eggseter	Eggseter is a town located between Ecruteak City and Mahogany Town. Eggseter holds an annual racing competetion known as the Extreme Pokémon Race. A Pokémon Day Care Center can be found in the town.
	Florando	The city hosts an annual show, Pokémon Exhibition, where Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon from all over the world come to perform.
	Greenfield	Greenfield is described, in the anime, as one of the most beautiful locations in the Johto region. It is located between Goldenrod City and Azalea Town. The town is covered with grassy meadows. In Greenfield, there is the Hale mansion, home of Spencer Hale, Molly Hale, and her mother. This town is the setting of the third movie.
	Scarlet City	Located at the southern end of Red Rock Isle in the Whirl Islands, it is where the Whirl Cup is held once every three years.
File:Silver Town.png	Silver Town	Located at the base of Mt. Silver, Silver Town is where the annual Silver Conference is held.
	Snowtop Mountain	Located between Olivine City and Ecruteak City in northern Johto, it is very cold at the peak and it is said to have a connection with Articuno. Articuno is said to must reside on top of the mountain.

Geography

The Johto region, like its neighboring region, Kanto, has a temperate climate. However, Johto's climate is a bit wetter than Kanto's climate.

Johto is notably more rural than the Kanto region, which leans more towards to the urban side. The region has an abundance of water to the west and south, with Cianwood City being on a completely different landmass. However, Johto is still dominated by land. Johto's ultra-modern Goldenrod City is found in the heart of the region, on the coast. It is the technological, industrial, and economic area of the Johto region. Due to its centralized position in the region, many smaller but important cities and towns connect to the city. Johto has one large mountain range encompassing almost the entire eastern half of the region, which divides Kanto and Johto and contains Mt. Silver. Blackthorn City is nestled deep between the mountains and is very unique because it is a city for Dragon Tamers.

Johto League

Main article: Johto League

The Johto League is the regional Pokémon League of the Johto region. Johto and Kanto share a single Elite Four, located at the Indigo Plateau. Eight Johto League Badges are required to participate in League competitions. The Indigo League and Johto League share a single group of Elite Four and Champion; eight Badges from either region will allow a Trainer to battle the Elite Four at the Indigo Plateau. Less commonly, it is known as the "Silver League", usually when referring to the anime. The Silver Conference is the Johto League's annual championship competition. It is held at the base of Mt. Silver.

Gym Leaders

Johto League
Gym Leader Japanese	Location Japanese	Type	Badge
Falkner ハヤト Hayato	Violet City キキョウシティ Kikyō City	Flying	Zephyr Badge
Bugsy ツクシ Tsukushi	Azalea Town ヒワダタウン Hiwada Town	Bug	Hive Badge
Whitney アカネ Akane	Goldenrod City コガネシティ Kogane City	Normal	Plain Badge
Morty マツバ Matsuba	Ecruteak City エンジュシティ Enju City	Ghost	Fog Badge
Chuck シジマ Shijima	Cianwood City タンバシティ Tanba City	Fighting	Storm Badge
Jasmine ミカン Mikan	Olivine City アサギシティ Asagi City	Steel	Mineral Badge
Pryce ヤナギ Yanagi	Mahogany Town チョウジタウン Chōji Town	Ice	Glacier Badge
Clair イブキ Ibuki	Blackthorn City フスベシティ Fusube City	Dragon	Rising Badge

Elite Four

Johto League
Generation IV
Member Japanese	Type
Will イツキ Itsuki	Psychic
Koga キョウ Kyō	Poison
Bruno シバ Siba	Fighting
Karen カリン Karin	Dark
Champion Lance ワタル Wataru	Dragon

Battle Frontier

Main article: Battle Frontier (Generation IV)

Frontier Brains

Johto Battle Frontier
Frontier Brain Japanese	Facility Japanese	Prints
Tower Tycoon Palmer タワータイクーン クロツグ Tower Tycoon Kurotsugu	Battle Tower バトルタワー Battle Tower	Silver Tower Prints	Gold Tower Prints
Factory Head Thorton ファクトリーヘッド ネジキ Factory Head Nejiki	Battle Factory バトルファクトリー Battle Factory	Silver Factory Prints	Gold Factory Prints
Arcade Star Dahlia ルーレットゴーデス ダリア Roulette Goddess Dahlia	Battle Arcade バトルルーレット Battle Roulette	Silver Arcade Prints	Gold Arcade Prints
Castle Valet Darach キャッスルバトラー コクラン Castle Butler Kokuran	Battle Castle バトルキャッスル Battle Castle	Silver Castle Prints	Gold Castle Prints
Hall Matron Argenta ステージマドンナ ケイト Stage Madonna Kate	Battle Hall バトルステージ Battle Stage	Silver Hall Prints	Gold Hall Prints

Trivia

Anime-based map of the Johto region

• It is the only region in which Ash Ketchum did not meet a new traveling companion.
• Johto is the only region without:
  • a Pokémon burial ground
  • its own set of fossil Pokémon
  • its own Victory Road
  • a museum
  • an autonomous Pokémon League (shared with Kanto)
  • its own storage system developer (Bill also developed that of Kanto)
  • its own villainous team (Team Rocket is shared with Kanto)
  • prior to Generation IV, Johto was also the only region without a true regional Pokédex.
• This lack is mostly due to the fact that Generation II is very dependent on Generation I, and as the latter half of the game's storyline takes place in Kanto, there was no need to repeat many things.
• Johto is the only main series region that does not contain the letter 'n' in its English name. This trait is shared with Unova's Japanese name, Isshu.
• In Generation II and IV, between Johto and Kanto, the Dark type and the Ground type are the only types not represented by an official Gym. Viridian City, whose previous Gym Leader Giovanni, had the Ground type. However, when Giovanni left the Gym after being defeated by Red, he was replaced by Blue, who does not have a type specialty. Karen of the Elite Four uses Dark-type Pokémon, making the Ground type the only type to not have a Gym Leader or Elite Four member specialize in it in Johto and Kanto for Generation II and IV.
• Unused location data for Johto (similar to the data for Hoenn and Kanto used for Pal Park) exists within the programming of Generation IV's games. Pokémon actually caught in Johto, however, display as being from "faraway place" when traded to a game taking place in Sinnoh, much like Pokémon caught in a Platinum-exclusive location do when traded to Diamond or Pearl.
• Kanto and Johto are the only regions that are connected to each other by land, and are likewise the only regions to add additional routes in their second appearances.
• Johto is the only main region in which the starter Pokémon, throughout their evolutions, stay one type (Grass, Water, and Fire).
• Generation II Johto is tied with Unova for the fewest routes of any region with 18; however, Generation IV Johto has 20 routes.

In other languages

See also

• Pokémon Gold and Silver
• Pokémon Crystal
• Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

References

Johto
Settlements New Bark Town • Cherrygrove City • Violet City • Azalea Town • Goldenrod City • Ecruteak City Olivine City • Cianwood City • Mahogany Town • Blackthorn City • Safari Zone Gate • Frontier Access Routes 29 • 30 • 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 • 39 • 40 • 41 • 42 • 43 • 44 • 45 • 46 • 47 • 48 Landmarks Dark Cave • Sprout Tower • Ruins of Alph • Union Cave • Slowpoke Well • Ilex Forest • Radio Tower • Global Terminal Goldenrod Tunnel • National Park • Pokéathlon Dome • Bell Tower • Bellchime Trail • Burned Tower • Moomoo Farm • Olivine Lighthouse Battle Tower (Crystal • HGSS)/Frontier • Cliff Edge Gate • Cliff Cave • Embedded Tower • Safari Zone • Whirl Islands Mt. Mortar • Lake of Rage • Team Rocket HQ • Ice Path • Dragon's Den • S.S. Aqua • Mt. Silver (Cave) Access to Sinjoh Ruins • Kanto