Introduced as the backdrop of the Gen II games, Johto still stands as one of the most breathtaking and popular regions in the Pokemon universe. Based off of the Kansai region in Japan, Johto is one of the more visually memorable regions Game Freak has developed. There’s tons of things to do and see, but what really stands out are Johto’s various towns and cities.

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From small quaint locales like New Bark Town to massive metropolis’ like Goldenrod, Johto has an incredible amount of variety to go with a fairly sizable population. By the time HeartGold & SoulSilver were released, Johto was said to have had some 452 residents. Not every locale is home to the same amount of people, and certain areas will be much more densely inhabited than others. Here’s how every one of Johto’s towns and cities ranks with regards to their population.

10 New Bark Town – 11

New Back Town In The Gen II Games

Serving as Ethan’s hometown and located in the southeastern part of Johto, New Bark Town might not be the most populated place on this list, but certainly has its charms. Right in-between Routes 27 and 29, New Bark Town is the perfect place to start your adventure.

With Professor Elm’s lab situated right by the town’s western entrance, New Bark Town is the perfect place for aspiring young trainers to visit in order to take their first steps towards becoming a Pokemon master. With no Gym or Pokemon Center, it’s easy to see why more people would rather situate themselves elsewhere.

9 Cherrygrove City – 22

Cherrygrove City From The Gen II Games

Cherrygrove City is the next place players will come across during their Johto adventure. Located passed Route 29, the city has quite a bit more too offer travelers compared to the much more modest New Bark Town.

First-timers will get a brief tour of the city courtesy of the Guide Gent. There, they will get to see what Cherrygrove has to offer. Fundamentals such as a Pokemon Center and Poke Mart are available, as well as an opening to the sea and the beginning of Route 30.

8 Mahogany Town – 26

Mahogany Town In The anime

Located in the northern region of Johto, Mahogany Town stands out for quite a few reasons. The town is notable for once being the home to ninjas, and would eventually serve as the location of the Team Rocket HQ.

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Aside from the Rocket HQ, Mahogany Town is probably best known for its gym. Home to Pryce and his Ice-type Pokemon, Mahogany is where players can get Johto’s seventh badge. Instead of a Poke Mart, Mahogany has an outside market dubbed “Just A Souvenir Shop” where trainer can get their hands on a Rage Candy Bar.

7 Cianwood City – 27

Cianwood Gym In The Anime

Due to its close proximity to the sea, Cianwood City looks different than most other areas in Johto. Aside from its unique layout, Cianwood also draws visitors due to its proximity to the Johto Safari Zone near its the west entrance.

Other places of interest include; PokeManiac Kirk’s house, the Photo Studio, – which becomes Cameron’s house in the remakes – Poke Seer, Cianwood City Pharmacy and of course, the Cianwood Gym. Fighting-type specialist Chuck serves as the Gym leader, handing out the Storm Badge to all winners.

6 Azalea Town – 31

Azalea Town In The Pokemon Anime

Located right before the Ilex Forrest, Azalea Town stands as the most populated town in Johto despite its relative isolation. The town is home to Bugsy’s Gym, where victorious trainers are given the Hive Badge.

Aside from the gym, the town stands out for its Slowpoke Well and Charcoal Kiln. Azalea is also the residence of Poke Ball smith Kurt, who can take Apricorn’s found by the player and turn them into various unique Poke Ball.

5 Blackthorn City – 40

Clackthorn City In The Anime

Known for being home to many Dragon-type Pokemon and trainers, Blackthorn City is the last location trainers visit when challenging Johto’s Gym leaders. Claire and her Gym serve as the last hurdle before moving on to the Kanto leaders.

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Aside from Claire’s gym, Blackthorn is also home to the Dragon’s Den and the Ice Path. Trainers can find some fairly uncommon Pokemon in these locations, making Blackthorn a popular stop for all kinds of adventurers.

4 Ecruteak City – 46

Eruteak City In The Anime

Notable for its old-fashioned look compared to other cities, Ecruteak plays an important role in establishing Johto’s lore. Aside from being home to Ghost-type specialist Morty, Ecruteak is also where people can find the Burned Tower.

The location is crucial to the lore surrounding Gen II’s legendaries and alongside the Bell Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Pokemon universe. Other places of interest include the Ecruteak Dance Theater and Bellchime Trail.

3 Olivine City – 47

Olivine City Gym In The Anime

Located alongside the Johto coast, Olivine City serves as a parallel to Kanto’s Vermilion City. The two cities are connected by the SS Aqua, making Olivine one of the more active in Johto.

The Glitter Lighthouse and Olivine Port are some of its most prominent locations, but the majority of trainers are drawn to the area due to the prospect of challenging Jasmine’s Gym. The Steel-type specialist will hand out a Mineral badge to successful trainers and comes in as one of the last few Johto leaders to face-off against.

2 Violet City – 52

The Sprout Tower In The Anime

The third city the player can visit in their Johto adventure, Violet City is one of the most densely populated in all of Johto. Home to the Sprout Tower and Pokemon School, Violet is also where players can go to challenge Falkner’s Gym.

The Flying-type specialist rewards victorious trainers with the Zephyr badge, which should be the first of the Johto badges owned for most trainers.

1 Goldenrod City – 126

Goldenrod City In The Anime

The largest city in Johto by far, Goldenrod is a massive metropolis that stands as one of the biggest and most populated areas in the Pokemon universe. Aside from being home to Whitney’s Gym, Goldenrod has plenty of other places of interest worth checkering out.

The Goldenrod Department Store boasts a wide selection of trainer goods while the Bike Shop and Game Corner offer invaluable services. There’s also the Goldenrod Radio Tower and Train Station that stand out as iconic landmarks associated with the area.

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