Generation 2 (Gold, Silver, Crystal) + Gen 4 (HeartGold, SoulSilver)
| Johto Region | |
|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 2, 4 |
| Games | Gold/Silver/Crystal, HeartGold/SoulSilver |
| Total Pokemon | Varies |
| Key Mechanic | Day/Night cycle, Breeding, Apricorn Balls, Kanto post-game |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Johto is a region west of Kanto, introduced in Pokemon Gold and Silver in 1999. It combines traditional Japanese architecture and cultural themes with natural landmarks like Mt. Mortar and the Lake of Rage. Johto offers a unique two-region experience: after defeating the Johto Elite Four, trainers can revisit the entire Kanto region and challenge its eight gym leaders. The region introduced 100 new Pokemon, the day and night cycle, and Pokemon breeding mechanics.
Every Pokemon journey in Johto begins with choosing one of three starter Pokemon from the region's Pokemon Professor. Each starter has distinct type advantages and evolves twice into a powerful final form.
A Grass-type Leaf Pokemon. Chikorita uses the leaf on its head to detect temperature and humidity. Evolves into Bayleef at level 16 and Meganium at level 32.
A Fire-type Mouse Pokemon. Cyndaquil releases flames from its back when defensive. Evolves into Quilava at level 14 and Typhlosion at level 36.
A Water-type Big Jaw Pokemon. Totodile has powerful jaws and an energetic personality. Evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30.
Johto is home to several legendary and Mythical Pokemon, each with unique lore and significance to the region's history and mythology.
| Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raikou | Electric | Roams across Johto after escaping from the Burned Tower. Represents the thunder of the Brass Tower fire. |
| Entei | Fire | Roams across Johto. Represents the flames that consumed the Brass Tower in ancient times. |
| Suicune | Water | Roams across Johto. Represents the rain that extinguished the Brass Tower fire. Central legendary in Pokemon Crystal. |
| Lugia | Psychic/Flying | Dwelling deep within the Whirl Islands. The guardian of the seas and master of the legendary beasts. |
| Ho-Oh | Fire/Flying | Perched atop the Tin Tower in Ecruteak City. The rainbow Pokemon that resurrected the legendary beasts. |
| Celebi | Psychic/Grass | A time-traveling Mythical Pokemon from the Ilex Forest. Only obtainable through special events. |
The Johto region features eight gym leaders, each specializing in a different Pokemon type. Trainers must defeat them in order to earn badges and qualify for the Pokemon League.
| # | Gym Leader | Type | Signature Pokemon |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Falkner | Flying | Pidgeot / Pidgeotto |
| #2 | Bugsy | Bug | Scyther / Metapod |
| #3 | Whitney | Normal | Miltank / Clefairy |
| #4 | Morty | Ghost | Gengar / Haunter |
| #5 | Chuck | Fighting | Poliwrath / Primeape |
| #6 | Jasmine | Steel | Steelix / Magnemite |
| #7 | Pryce | Ice | Piloswine / Dewgong |
| #8 | Clair | Dragon | Kingdra / Dragonair |
After collecting all eight badges, trainers face the Elite Four and the regional Champion to complete the Pokemon League challenge.
Johto features diverse and memorable locations that shape the trainer's journey across the region.
Johto introduced several mechanics that became franchise staples: the day and night cycle affecting wild Pokemon encounters, Pokemon breeding at the Daycare Center, the Apricorn Poke Ball crafting system, and held items for battle. The Pokemon Gear provides phone functionality for trainer rematches. The Bug-Catching Contest at National Park offers weekly competitive events. After the Elite Four, the entire Kanto region becomes explorable with all eight Kanto gym leaders available for rematches. The final battle against Red atop Mt. Silver is one of the most iconic moments in Pokemon history.