TOKUPO: The Easy, English‑Friendly Walking App With a Lottery Twist

This is the sixth independent or third‑party walking app we’re featuring in the Points & Miles Japan series. By this point, a pattern has emerged: most walking apps in Japan operate in similar ways—tracking steps, rewarding daily activity, and requiring ads to unlock points. But TOKUPO (トクポ) stands out because of its simplicity, its unusually light ad load, and its ability to switch the interface to English, making it far more accessible to expats than many of its competitors.

TOKUPO markets itself as an “Ataru Hōsūkei”—a pedometer where your steps can enter you into a lottery for Amazon gift cards. The app has two types of points: Step Points, which you earn automatically by walking, and Diamond Points, which you earn through missions and can exchange for rewards via Dot Money. Step Points accumulate quickly—typically 1 point per step, up to a daily cap that varies by user activity. These points can be used to enter lotteries, where prizes range from small Amazon gift card amounts to larger, rarer rewards. Diamond Points, on the other hand, are more valuable: they can be exchanged for Rakuten Points, nanaco, PayPay, or Dot Money credits. Missions such as daily logins, weekly walking goals, or occasional in‑app tasks usually award 1–5 Diamond Points, with special campaigns offering more.

One of TOKUPO’s biggest selling points is its minimal reliance on ads. Unlike Trima or Powl, which require a 15–30 second ad for nearly every action, TOKUPO only shows ads when claiming certain bonuses or when participating in optional missions. Even then, the ads are short—usually 10–20 seconds—and appear far less frequently than in other walking apps. For users who dislike constant interruptions, this is a major advantage.

Another advantage is the ability to set the app language to English. While many Japanese walking apps remain Japanese‑only, TOKUPO’s interface adjusts based on your phone’s system language. If your device is set to English, the entire app—including menus, buttons, and instructions—appears in English. This makes it one of the most expat‑friendly walking apps available in Japan.

However, TOKUPO has its drawbacks. The biggest is the lottery system. While Step Points accumulate quickly, using them for lottery entries means you’re not guaranteed a reward. Many users report going weeks or months without winning anything. Diamond Points, which can be exchanged for guaranteed rewards, accumulate much more slowly. Even with consistent walking and mission completion, it can take 3–5 weeks to gather enough Diamond Points for a Dot Money exchange. Compared to apps like Trima, which offer more frequent point‑earning opportunities, TOKUPO feels slower and more luck‑dependent.

Another disadvantage is the long grind toward meaningful rewards. Because Step Points are primarily for lottery entries and Diamond Points accumulate slowly, users who prefer predictable, steady earnings may find TOKUPO less satisfying. It’s best suited for people who enjoy the thrill of a lottery rather than those who want guaranteed, fast returns.

Setting up TOKUPO is straightforward. After downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, you can begin using it without creating an account—a rarity among walking apps. Step tracking begins immediately through your phone’s built‑in pedometer. If you want to exchange Diamond Points for rewards, you’ll need to create a free account using your email or social login. From there, you can link Dot Money or other point services to redeem rewards. The app also includes a simple tutorial explaining how Step Points and Diamond Points differ, how to enter lotteries, and how to exchange points.

Overall, TOKUPO is a lightweight, low‑maintenance walking app that appeals to users who want a simple experience without constant ads. It’s not the fastest way to earn Dot Money, but its English interface and minimal interruptions make it a comfortable choice for expats and casual walkers.