This article kicks off a two-part Points & Miles Japan series exploring Japan’s unique airline-linked walking apps—tools that reward your daily steps with real travel perks. First up: ANA Pocket, a gamified lifestyle app from All Nippon Airways that turns your everyday movement into ANA miles, coupons, and more. Whether you're commuting, strolling, or flying, ANA Pocket makes every meter count. Stay tuned for our next feature on JAL Wellness & Travel, ANA’s friendly rival in the step-to-mile game.

The ANA Pocket app is a clever lifestyle and travel companion developed by All Nippon Airways (ANA) that turns your everyday movement into a rewarding game. Whether you're walking to the station, cycling through the park, or flying across the country, ANA Pocket tracks your activity and awards you points that can be exchanged for ANA miles, coupons, and other perks. It’s a uniquely Japanese fusion of gamification, mobility, and loyalty—perfect for commuters, travelers, and anyone looking to make the most of their daily routines.

At the heart of ANA Pocket is its movement-based point system. The app uses your smartphone’s GPS and motion sensors to detect how you’re traveling and rewards you accordingly. Walking earns you roughly 1 point for every 20 steps, while cycling gives you 1 point per 100 meters. Train rides yield 1 point per 200 meters, car travel earns 1 point per 300 meters, and even air travel is rewarded—1 point per 500 meters flown. This tiered system encourages eco-friendly movement while still recognizing long-distance travel.

Beyond movement, ANA Pocket offers other ways to rack up points. Watching ads within the app earns you 50 points per view, and downloading partner apps through ANA Pocket can net you up to even thousands of points, depending on the campaign. These options make it easy to supplement your point balance even on days when you're not particularly active.

The app offers two membership tiers: the free Standard plan and the paid Pro plan, which costs ¥550 per month. While the free version lets you earn points through challenges and ad interactions, the Pro plan unlocks the full potential of the app. Pro users earn points for all types of movement—not just challenge-based activity—and enjoy higher point multipliers, exclusive challenges, and better odds in the app’s lottery feature. For frequent movers or those aiming to convert points into ANA miles, the Pro plan is a worthwhile upgrade.

One of the most exciting features of ANA Pocket is its lottery system, known as the ガチャ (gacha). For just 100 points per spin, users can win ANA miles, Amazon or Rakuten coupons, ANA SKY Coins, and other partner rewards. Every spin guarantees a prize, and Pro members have access to premium lotteries with higher-value rewards. On average, 100 points can yield 1 to 3 ANA miles, though lucky users may win significantly more.

To maximize your point earnings, ANA Pocket offers daily challenges that you can set in advance. Each evening, you can select challenges for the next day—such as walking a certain number of steps or traveling a specific distance. Completing these missions earns bonus points, and activating a “Sparkling” status can double your rewards for a limited time. This feature is especially useful for users who want to plan their movement strategically and boost their point intake.

Setting up ANA Pocket is straightforward. After downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, you’ll sign in with your ANA Mileage Club account—or create one if you’re new. The app will then prompt you to enable motion tracking (via Apple Health or Google Fit) and allow location access. Once that’s done, you can choose your membership plan and start earning points immediately. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to track your progress, set challenges, and redeem rewards.

In short, ANA Pocket transforms your daily movement into a fun, rewarding experience. Whether you're a casual walker or a frequent flyer, the app offers a smart way to earn miles and perks just by going about your day. For expats, commuters, and travel-savvy professionals in Japan, it’s a powerful tool to integrate into your lifestyle.