Pokémon GO Tour: Johto Special Research

Pokémon GO Tour: Johto is the Special Research set of tasks for catching Shiny Gyarados and Celebi with Magical Leaf. It was released with the synonymous event, Pokémon GO Tour: Johto, on February, 2022. Ticket holders who played the game during the event automatically received this Special Research.

Completing this Special Research also unlocks the Masterwork Research: Apex Special Research that ends in an encounter with Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh.

Task sets
The Candies rewarded to the player when completing parts 3, 4, 6 and 7 depend on their chosen version. The choice in part 2 determines the Starter Pokémon and the related tasks the Trainer receives. Gold Version gives Ledyba and Phanpy Candy. Silver gives Spinarak and Teddiursa Candy.

Hello, TRAINER! Are you ready? Your very own Pokémon story is about to unfold. This adventure may be brand new to some, while for others, it might be very familiar. That’s right—today we’re learning all about the Johto region and meeting some Pokémon originally discovered there, too! But nothing’s happened yet, so you just focus on having fun with your friends and your Pokémon! The Johto region is a land steeped in history and tradition, where the bygone beauty of Ecruteak City lies just steps away from the modern metropolis of Goldenrod City. It’s also the region where Dark- and Steel-type Pokémon were first discovered! Not to mention Mr. Pokémon and the mysterious Mystery Egg. Speaking of Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region, I’ve heard tell that Celebi, the Time Travel Pokémon, has been seen nearby. Celebi has the ability to move through time. I still can’t shake the feeling that Celebi had something to do with Hisuian Voltorb appearing in our time. In any case, rumor has it this Celebi knows a special move. I hope we’ll get a chance to see if that’s true! While you enjoy today’s festivities, keep vigilant for any signs of Team GO Rocket. I know I haven’t forgotten about them. Hopefully we can get some insight into what they’ve been up to since they smashed open that mysterious door...

You know what your adventure needs, TRAINER? A new buddy! I spoke with a colleague and was able to orchestrate a little surprise for you. These Pokémon are the first partner Pokémon offered to Trainers in the Johto region. Go on—pick one!

I think that’s a great Pokémon, too, TRAINER! Chikorita Chikorita, the Leaf Pokémon, is docile and loves to soak up the sun’s rays. A sweet aroma gently wafts from the leaf on its head. Doesn’t it have just the most adorable face? I’m sure this little one is eager to spend some time with you, and what better way than letting it join you on your Johto-inspired journey! Cyndaquil Cyndaquil, the Fire Mouse Pokémon, is timid and always curls itself up in a ball. If attacked, it flares up its back for protection. Doesn’t its shyness make you want to cuddle it even more? I’m sure this little one is eager to spend some time with you, and what better way than letting it join you on your Johto-inspired journey! Totodile Totodile, the Big Jaw Pokémon, is small but rough and tough. It won’t hesitate to take a bite out of anything that moves. Though what’s the harm in one quick pet... I’m sure this little one is eager to spend some time with you, and what better way than letting it join you on your Johto-inspired journey!

Wow, your Chikorita/Cyndaquil/Totodile evolved into Bayleef/Quilava/Croconaw already! And just in time, TRAINER—I have some troubling news. Team GO Rocket is mobilizing—and they’re headed straight toward us! I have a feeling they’re stirring up more than just a mild bit of mischief... That must be why they’re launching an invasion—more distractions! Not to mention they always love to crash our parties. Have they heard about the Celebi sightings? Or maybe they have something even more sinister up their sleeve... I’m going to need your help defeating some Team GO Rocket Grunts—distract the distraction, and buy me some time to investigate. Can I count on your help?

Magnificent work, TRAINER! While I was investigating, some Team GO Rocket Grunts ran by, whining about losing to an “unfairly strong Trainer.” I assume you’re the Trainer in question? Haha, but of course! I knew I could trust you. So, my sleuthing turned up an interesting rumor. A Gyarados has been spotted nearby, but it isn’t at all like your typical Gyarados. This one seems like it’s mired in a fit of rage—not unlike a certain Red Gyarados that once rampaged the Johto region’s Lake of Rage. Back then, Team Rocket used a mysterious radio broadcast to force Magikarp to evolve. Hm. That sounds similar to Shadow Pokémon, don’t you think? And there have been a lot more Shadow Pokémon appearing lately. Could Team GO Rocket be using the same technology again? And is this connected to what they stole from behind the mysterious door? What if it was some sort of power that they’ve now amplified and corrupted...? And with Celebi about and its time travel powers— Egad! Who knows what Team GO Rocket could do! There’s no time to waste. Let’s save Gyarados and then set our sights on finding Celebi before it’s too late!

Great work, TRAINER! That Gyarados is much calmer now that you’ve rescued it from Team GO Rocket. It looks like Team GO Rocket’s retreating as well, so how about we continue with our festivities? They’ve stolen enough of our time. I think your Bayleef/Quilava/Croconaw would like to play with you! Even in the direst of situations, when you’re pulled from all sides, it’s essential to take time to decompress and enjoy a peaceful moment with your friends. Times like that give us the strength to persevere. Speaking of strength, your Bayleef/Quilava/Croconaw looks ready to evolve!

Chikorita Ah, your Meganium is absolutely efflorescent with happiness! Are you two having fun? It’s been a delight to see your friendship blossom. Making new friends and exploring the world around you are two of life’s greatest joys. My life is richer for the adventures I’ve had. I’d have never found that mysterious door if not for a random adventure! Despite Team GO Rocket’s interference, I’m still grateful for the time I got to spend with the team leaders and the research I was able to do. Enough of my chatter—why don’t you go make some new friends yourself? There’s plenty of day left to enjoy. Cyndaquil Ah, your Typhlosion is absolutely ablaze with happiness! Are you two having fun? It’s been a delight to see your new friendship burn so brightly. Making new friends and exploring the world around you are two of life’s greatest joys. My life is richer for the adventures I’ve had. I’d have never found that mysterious door if not for a random adventure! Despite Team GO Rocket’s interference, I’m still grateful for the time I got to spend with the team leaders and the research I was able to do. Enough of my chatter—why don’t you go make some new friends yourself? There’s plenty of day left to enjoy. Totodile Ah, your Feraligatr is absolutely awash with happiness! Are you two having fun? It’s been a delight to experience the refreshing friendship between you two. Making new friends and exploring the world around you are two of life’s greatest joys. My life is richer for the adventures I’ve had. I’d have never found that mysterious door if not for a random adventure! Despite Team GO Rocket’s interference, I’m still grateful for the time I got to spend with the team leaders and the research I was able to do. Enough of my chatter—why don’t you go make some new friends yourself? There’s plenty of day left to enjoy.

TRAINER, sorry to rush you, but we have to hurry! There’s been a confirmed Celebi sighting just moments ago. If you go now, you might be able to catch it! Let’s GO!

Great work catching Celebi! It is thought that so long as Celebi appears, a bright and shining future awaits us. I wonder why Celebi decided to appear to us today. Maybe it’s a sign of good things to come. After all the trouble we’ve had with Team GO Rocket, I welcome the reminder that peaceful times aren’t too far off. While you were out, I uncovered the truth Team GO Rocket has been trying so hard to hide: they’ve captured Lugia and Ho-Oh. It gets worse: using the power they stole from behind the mysterious door in conjunction with radio technology developed via their past broadcasts, they’ve forced Lugia and Ho-Oh to ascend to a level of power beyond any Shadow Pokémon we’ve ever seen. They’re calling them Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh. Get ready, TRAINER—the battle’s only just begun.