The first Pokémon games are set in the fictional region of Kanto.
Kanto serves as the world map for Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow. The player begins in Pallet Town and travels through a network of routes and settlements before challenging the Pokémon League at the Indigo Plateau. The adventure includes eight Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and a final rival battle.
The region contains several distinctive locations, including Viridian Forest, Mt. Moon, the Safari Zone, and the mysterious Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island. Each area provides different habitats, so exploring the map is essential for finding a broad range of species.
Kanto’s name and broad layout draw inspiration from the real Kantō region of Japan. This is why it is sometimes discussed alongside real geography, although the Pokémon setting is fictional. Kanto later became a post-game destination in Pokémon Gold and Silver, reinforcing its importance in the franchise’s history.