In eight successful generations of the main series games, the Pokémon franchise has featured eight unique regions that are home to different Pokémon and inspired by different locations and cultures of the real world. Perhaps the most memorable regions of the franchise are the first two, Kanto and Johto.
As two neighboring areas that are both inspired by Japanese geography, the Kanto Region and Johto Region may appear to have a lot of overlapping similarities. But at the same time, there are plenty of regional differences that make them both worth exploring time and time again in their many versions and remakes.
10 Kanto Vs. Kansai
While Kanto and Johto were both created with Japanese geography in mind, they were each modeled after two different parts of Japan. As its name suggests, Pokémon’s Kanto Region is based on Japan’s own Kanto Region which includes the nation’s capital, Tokyo.
In contrast, Johto is based on Japan’s Kansai Region which includes big cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Just as Japan’s Kanto and Kansai regions differ in geography, dialect, and mannerisms, Pokémon’s Kanto and Johto regions also have different landscapes and ways of life.
9 Modern Vs. Historic
Just from traveling through the Kanto Region, one might not realize how modern all of the major cities and towns are. However, if the trainer has also stepped foot into the Johto Region, they will certainly feel and experience a huge difference in architecture and culture.
In particular, Johto’s Ecruteak and Violet City will immediately give off traditional vibes of Japanese culture with Sprout Tower and Bell Tower inspired by Kyoto temples. There are also famous “Kimono Girls” in Ecruteak City who will put the player to the test with their Eeveelutions.
8 Town Names
Just as the first generation games, Red & Blue, are named after colors, the towns of the Kanto Region also follow that same pattern. From Cerulean City to Cinnabar Island, the color name of each respective town is often associated with the specific type that the Gym Leader specializes in.
If Kanto’s locations are named after colors, many of Johto’s towns are named after different types of flowers and trees such as Azalea Town and Mahogany Town. This goes hand in hand with the nature and vegetation that the Johto Region has to offer.
7 Legendary Trios
With each new generation, there are certain Legendary Pokémon associated with the region. In particular, the Legendary Trios of the Kanto Region and Johto Region are quite different. Kanto has Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, who are known as the Legendary Birds, while Johto has Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, who make up the Legendary Beasts.
Aside from being based on different creatures, the big difference between the trios is how they are located and caught. While the Legendary Birds will remain in their designated spot in the Kanto Region, the Legendary Beasts are known to roam freely throughout Johto.
6 History & Mystery
As a land enriched in culture and tradition, the long history of the Johto Region is more fleshed out than that of the Kanto Region. For example, the Legendary Beasts have historical ties to the Burned Tower and Pokémon Gold’s mascot, Ho-Oh. It is said that three Pokémon mysteriously burned down with the tower and were revived by Ho-Oh in the form of the Legendary Beasts.
In addition, the Johto Region also has mysteries surrounding the Ruins of Alph. As an ancient site, the Ruin of Alph and the local Unown are closely studied by many researchers to uncover more history and mysteries of Johto.
5 Berries
Planting berries might have been a new game mechanic introduced into the Pokémon franchise when the second generation came around, but there is actually a legitimate reason as to why berries can easily grow in Johto and not in Kanto.
While the soil in Johto is very rich and suitable for planting berries, Kanto soil is potentially more volcanic just like Japan’s Kanto Region. With Johto’s great soil, the player is able to harvest plenty of berries to make special Poké Balls and heal their Pokémon.
4 Team Rocket Hideout
When Team Rocket failed to achieve their evil goals in the Kanto Region, they fled and tried to cause trouble once more in the Johto Region. Naturally, they also had to relocate their not-so-secret hideout.
In Kanto, the Team Rocket Hideout was located in the Game Corner in Celadon City. The switch behind the suspicious poster in the Game Corner reveals the entrance to the hideout. In contrast, Team Rocket’s Johto hideout is disguised as “Just a Souvenir Shop” in Mahogany Town until they later take over the Goldenrod Radio Tower.
3 Lake Of Rage
Interestingly enough, the Kanto Region does not have any notable lakes like other regions. This couldn’t be farther from the truth for the Johto Region, where one of its most well-known landmarks is the Lake of Rage.
What makes the Lake of Rage so famous is the existence of a special Red Gyarados swimming at the center of it. The Red Gyarados serves as a nod to rare shiny Pokémon, which were first introduced along with the Johto Region.
2 Indigo Plateau
For the most part, each region of the Pokémon world has its own designated location where the Elite Four and Champion can be challenged. One exception to this rule is how the Kanto Region shares its Pokémon League with the Johto Region.
Known as the Indigo Plateau, the Pokémon League of Kanto and Johto is almost in the middle between both regions, though it is officially considered part of Kanto. This means that the Johto Region technically does not have a League of its own, and trainers must travel to Kanto if they wish to take on the Elite Four and Champion.
1 Bug-Catching Contest
Both the Kanto Region and Johto Region each have their own respective Safari Zones where certain Pokémon can be caught with bait and rocks as opposed to the traditional catching method. However, the Johto Region takes it a step further by also having a Bug-Catching Contest.
Held at the National Park, the Bug-Catching Contest is a fun event where trainers compete to catch the strongest and rarest Bug Pokémon using exclusive Sport Balls. Unfortunately, the Kanto Region does not have any sort of official contest that compares to this one.
NEXT: The 10 Weirdest Johto Pokémon
