One reality of life in Japan—especially in urban areas—is that people walk a lot. Whether it’s commuting, shopping, or just getting around the neighborhood, walking is part of the daily rhythm. So why not make every step count?

Instead of spending idle time playing mobile games while in transit, you could be earning points and miles just by walking. Thanks to Japan’s wide range of pedometer apps, your daily movement can be turned into travel rewards or shopping credits.

These walking apps fall into three main categories:

✈️ Airline-Linked Apps

Apps like ANA Pocket and JAL Wellness & Travel are developed by Japan’s national carriers. They reward you with miles or mile-equivalent points based on your walking activity. It’s a great way to build up your mileage balance without flying.

🛍️ Shopping Point Apps

Companies like Rakuten, Ponta, and Docomo offer walking apps that earn you shopping points. Examples include Rakuten Healthcare, Rakuten Check, Rakuten Senior, Green Ponta Action, and d-healthcare. These points can often be converted into airline miles later on.

📱 Third-Party Apps

Some independent apps have their own point systems, which can be exchanged directly for airline miles or transferred to shopping points first. These apps often allow simultaneous use, meaning you can stack rewards across multiple platforms.

With the right strategy—and a smartphone or smartwatch—you can turn your everyday walks into a steady stream of rewards. Best of all, this method costs far less than relying on credit card spend.

In this new article series, we’ll take a deep dive into Japan’s walking apps. We’ll explore their features, pros and cons, and show you how to optimize your setup for maximum point and mile accumulation.

Your next flight might just be a few thousand steps away.