In Pokemon’s second generation, players were introduced to Johto – a brand-new region bordering Kanto. Based on the Kansai region of Japan, which connects to Kanto’s real-life counterpart Kantō, it’s one of the most populated areas in Honshū. Described by The Kansai Guide as “central to the enduring history and deep culture of Japan,” Kansai is home to the original Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto. Kansai and Kantō celebrate Japanese tradition and modernity, much like Kanto and Johto do in the Pokemon games.
Like Kanto, the towns and cities of Johto take inspiration from real places within the Kansai region, including Ecruteak City. Based on Kyoto, Pokemon Gold and Silvertake their names from the Golden Temple and the Silver Pavilion. Other places like Olivine City are influenced by the port city of Kobe, while Cianwood City has the equivalent of the Naruto whirlpools nearby. But it’s not only the towns and cities of Johto that take inspiration from Kansai. Beauty spots like Mount Hiei and Lake Biwa found in the Japanese region will also be familiar to players.
7 Lake Of Rage: Inspired By Lake Biwa
- Credit: 663highland
North of Mahogany Town, the Lake of Rage is the most north-western point of Johto. It’s the largest lake in the region, home to a shiny Gyarados that has become enraged due to a radio signal from Team Rocket’s hideout in the town.
Lake Biwa is Japan’s biggest freshwater lake and, therefore, most likely the basis of the Lake of Rage. While there probably isn’t a red Gyarados dwelling under its depths, there is the Biwa Lake Museum which has a clear tunnel aquarium for visitors to view the rare marine life of the lake. Travel Japan notes that Lake Biwa is 4 million years old, and its name comes from its shape, which looks similar to the traditional Japanese lute, the biwa.
6 Union Cave: Inspired By Gama-no-kuchi
Dividing Route 32 from Route 33, Union Cave leads from Violet City to the Ruins of Alph. According to the description of the cave, it’s connected to the deep ocean underground, which is why players can find Lapras residing there every Friday.
A similar location to Union Cave can be found in Nigishima Bay in Kumano City. Deep underground tourists can go snorkeling and diving and visit the Blue Grotto of Kumano, the name of which comes from the sun shining into the cave and reflecting onto the sea floor. The stunning location is situated at a similar place to Union Cave in Johto.
5 Slowpoke Well: Inspired By Kumano Hongū Taisha
Located on the edge of Azalea Town, which is based on Minabe Village in Wakayama Prefecture, Slowpoke Well could be based on the Shinto shrine Kumano Hongū Taisha. An hour from Minabe, the shrine enshrines its deity Hongu Taisha and Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, per Japan Guide.
The Kumano Hongū Taisha shrine originally resided on a sandbank by the Kumano River but was relocated deep into the mountains of Tanabe in the Kii Peninsula after being partially destroyed by a flood. The connection between Slowpoke Well and Kumano Hongū Taisha could be down to the importance of both places in the natural and fictional area and the strong connection to water.
4 Ilex Forest: Inspired By Kumano Kodō
- Credit: 663highland
Described in Pokemon Gold and Silver as “a large forest full of trees that are used to make charcoal,” the dense forest west of Azalea Town houses a shrine to Celebi, the guardian of the forest. From all the forests in Kansai, Ilex Forest bears a solid resemblance to Kumano Kodō. The ancient pilgrimage route weaves through the Kii peninsula, south of Osaka.
Kumano Kodō is a profoundly spiritual area consisting of dozens of sacred sites and shrines, including three grand Shinto shrines. According to Lonely Planet, “the mountains in between were themselves considered kami (gods), and a walk among them a sacred act.” And as for the trees used to make charcoal in Ilex Forest, this connotes directly to Ubame, the Japanese name for the Johto forest. Named after the Ubame oak, this tree is used to make binchōtan charcoal and is the official tree of the Wakayama Prefecture in Kansai.
3 Goldenrod Tunnel: Inspired By Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba Underground Shopping Malls
Known as “The Underground” in Goldenrod City, the shopping district below its streets includes the Pokemon Salon, the Bargain Shop, the Herb Shop, and the Goldenrod Department Store basement, as well as a photo booth and photo gallery. There are various underground shopping malls in Japan, but the most famous are Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba in Osaka.
So as Goldenrod City is partially based on Osaka, it’s no wonder that these underground shopping malls were included in the city. One of the biggest is Whity Umeda, an underground “shopping city” with 190 shops and restaurants, which opened in 1963 and connects four metro stations together per Live Japan. In addition, there’s another underground shopping center in Shinsaibashi called CRYSTA Nagahori, in addition to Namba Walk.
2 Pokeathlon Dome: Inspired By Kyocera Dome, Osaka
- Credit: KENPEI
West of Route 35 near Goldenrod City, lies a stadium where Pokeathlon competitions and events are held. Introduced in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, there are 10 events that are similar in spirit to Pokemon Contests and Super Contests.
Goldenrod City is inspired by Osaka and Kobe, and the Pokeathlon Dome seems to take inspiration from one of Osaka’s most recognizable stadiums – the Kyocera Dome. Its primary function is as a baseball stadium, but concerts and other events are also held there. The ceiling can move according to the venue’s needs, which is designed with a marine vibe matching the look of the Pokeathlon Dome. Both stadiums are surrounded by water, too.
1 Mt. Mortar: Inspired By Mount Hiei
- Credit: Moja
Deep within Mt. Mortar, the Karate King of Saffron City Kiyo trains in isolation. While the mountain is optional to enter, a battle with Kiyo will result in him giving the player a Tyrogue when defeated. It’s most likely that Mt. Mortar is based on Mt. Hiei in Kyoto, which has links to rigorous training among the monks that live in temples.
The Enryakauji Temple sits at the summit of Mount Hei, which is home to “warrior monks and marathon monks,” per Japan Experience. Warrior monks are a thing of the past, but marathon monks still exist. Marathon monks participate in sennichi kaiho gyo in Japanese, or “thousand-day around-the-peaks training.” This practice tests their “endurance, perseverance, and both physical and mental strength.” This involves running over mountain paths for consecutive days for increasing distances. The practice usually begins at night over rough terrain, wearing only straw sandals.