Points and miles collection in Japan for the non-Japanese.
Trima App: Ads, Steps, and Miles—Is It Worth the Walk?
Trima (トリマ) is Japan’s most popular third‑party walking app, rewarding users for steps, distance, surveys, and even games. Free to use but ad‑heavy, it requires watching 15–30 second ads to claim points. With flexible redemption via Dot Money, users can convert rewards into shopping points, airline miles, or gift cards. Its variety of earning methods makes it stand out, though frequent ads are a drawback. Consistent use can yield exchanges within weeks, turning everyday movement into travel rewards.
This marks the first of the independent walking apps we’re featuring in the Points and Miles Japan series. Unlike airline-linked or shopping ecosystem apps, Trima (トリマ) stands on its own. Developed by GeoTechnologies, Inc., it’s designed to reward you for everyday movement—whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or riding the train. The points you earn can later be exchanged through Dot Money, making it a flexible tool for anyone looking to turn daily activity into shopping credits or airline miles.
The way Trima works is simple but layered. You earn points primarily by walking or traveling a certain distance, with each segment giving you a set amount of points. To claim those points, however, you’ll need to watch an ad. These ads usually last between 15 and 30 seconds, and you’ll see one for every segment you complete. Beyond walking, Trima also offers points through surveys, missions, and mini-games like quizzes or solitaire. On its latest update, Trima also gives out points for taking photos of receipts from convenience stores and supermarkets. Each of these activities has its own cap, ranging from a modest 50 points for surveys to a few hundred for games.
The app’s biggest strength lies in its variety. Unlike other third-party walking apps that only reward steps, Trima recognizes almost all forms of movement. Whether you’re commuting by train or driving across town, your activity counts. It also integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit, letting you track calories and BMI alongside your points. And because it’s free to use, there’s no subscription barrier to entry.
But here’s the trade-off: ads. Trima requires you to watch them constantly, and while they’re short, the sheer frequency can feel intrusive. Compared to other apps, this is its biggest disadvantage. Another drawback is the exchange rate—direct conversions to miles aren’t as favorable as converting first to shopping points, then transferring to miles. Still, with consistent use, most users find they can accumulate enough points for a Dot Money exchange within two to four weeks.
Setting up Trima is straightforward. You download the app from the App Store or Google Play, register with your email or social media account, and grant location and health tracking permissions. To make the most of your rewards, it’s highly recommended to open a free Dot Money account, which consolidates your points and allows you to link them to shopping platforms or airline mileage programs. Once that’s done, every step—or train ride—starts feeding into your balance.
So, is Trima worth it? If you don’t mind the ads, it’s one of the most versatile walking apps out there. It rewards more than just walking, and with a little patience, those points can turn into miles or shopping credits that bring you closer to your next trip.