The real Japanese region that inspired Pokémon’s Johto region is Kansai.
Johto is the principal setting of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Its geography and landmarks draw heavily on Japan’s Kansai region, which includes cities and cultural centers such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. The games translate those real-world influences into towns, routes, shrines, caves, and historical sites.
Kanto, the setting of the original Pokémon games, is based on the real Kantō region around Tokyo. The neighboring game regions are therefore named in a way that can cause confusion: Pokémon’s Kanto is associated with Japan’s Kantō, while Johto draws from Kansai.
Gold and Silver also connect the two fictional regions. After progressing through Johto, players can return to Kanto, making the sequel feel geographically and historically linked to the first games.