What is the name of the hometown where Ash begins his Pokémon anime journey?

Ash begins his Pokémon anime journey in Pallet Town.

Pallet Town is a small settlement in the Kanto region and the home of Ash Ketchum. It is also where Professor Oak operates his laboratory and where Ash receives Pikachu before setting out on his adventure. Gary Oak, Ash's rival, also comes from Pallet Town.

The town serves as the starting point for the original Pokémon anime and for the Kanto-set video games. In the games, the player character begins there and visits Professor Oak before receiving a starter Pokémon. The anime changes this setup by giving Ash Pikachu after he arrives late to the laboratory.

Pallet Town is sometimes confused with Viridian City, the first larger city Ash reaches after leaving home. It is also unrelated to New Bark Town, which begins the journey in the Johto-based Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal games.