Pokémon Red and Blue take place in the Kanto region.
Kanto is the setting for the first-generation Pokémon games and the original Pokémon anime storyline. Players travel through towns, routes, caves, forests, and seas while collecting Gym Badges and preparing to challenge the Pokémon League.
The region’s name is shared with the real-world Kantō region of Japan, although the game version is a fictionalized setting. Locations such as Pallet Town, Viridian City, Pewter City, and Saffron City became foundational places in Pokémon lore.
Kanto is often confused with Johto because the two regions are adjacent and can both be visited in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Kanto is the original region, while Johto debuted in the second generation. Professor Oak’s laboratory and the first Pokédex adventure are both associated with Kanto.