The Pokémon region of Unova is primarily based on the New York metropolitan area.
Unova is the setting of Pokémon Black and White and their sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. It was the first main-series region based largely outside Japan. Its geography includes urban skylines, bridges, waterfronts, and landmarks that echo New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Unova’s design marked a deliberate change in the series’ regional inspirations. Earlier regions such as Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh were based on parts of Japan. Later regions drew from other locations, including Kalos from France, Galar from Great Britain, and Paldea from the Iberian Peninsula.
A common mix-up is identifying New York with Castelia City alone. Castelia is Unova’s largest city and strongly resembles Manhattan, but the inspiration for Unova extends beyond one city to the broader New York area. Unova also introduced a completely new regional Pokédex at the start of its story.