In Japan’s ever-evolving ポイ活 (point activity) ecosystem, walking apps have become a clever way to turn daily steps into tangible rewards. But for those of us chasing ANA and JAL redemptions, the real question is: can these apps actually help fund your next award flight?

Let’s take a closer look at walking apps developed by three major point ecosystems—Rakuten, d-point (NTT Docomo), and Ponta—and how they stack up in terms of features, point types, and mileage conversion potential.

Rakuten’s Lifestyle Trio: Health, Check-Ins & Senior Steps

Rakuten offers not one, but three walking-related apps—each targeting a different lifestyle segment. While all three reward users with Rakuten Points, the way you earn (and the type of points you receive) varies significantly.

🏃 Rakuten Health Care: Steps + Smart Sync = Lucky Draws

Rakuten Health Care is a wellness-focused app that tracks your steps, meals, and health data via smart devices. Walk at least 5,000 steps a day and you’ll unlock a daily Lucky Draw for a chance to win regular Rakuten Points—the kind that can be used for shopping or even converted to ANA or JAL miles.

The app also integrates with Rakuten Life’s “Well Smile” insurance program, offering bonus incentives for policyholders. While the lottery-style system means points aren’t guaranteed daily, consistent walkers will find it a motivating blend of health tracking and ポイ活 fun.

🏪 Rakuten Check: Points for Presence

Rakuten Check rewards you simply for showing up. With over 2,500 participating locations—including Lawson, Seiyu, Joshin, and even public parks—you can earn regular Rakuten Points just by checking in via the app. No purchase required.

It’s ideal for commuters or errand-runners who pass by partner stores regularly. Points per visit are modest (usually 1–5), but they add up with minimal effort. Just note: the app requires location permissions and only works near participating stores.

👵 Rakuten Senior: Active Aging, Limited-Time Points

Designed with older adults in mind (but open to all), Rakuten Senior encourages walking and community engagement. Daily step goals (typically 4,000 steps) earn stamps, which can be exchanged for limited-time Rakuten Points. These expire quickly and are restricted to certain uses—so not ideal for mileage conversions.

Still, the app offers more than just walking rewards. Users can track weight, sleep, and blood pressure, and join local events like chair yoga and hobby workshops. Some events even offer point-back perks for Rakuten insurance members. It’s a great tool for wellness and social connection, but less useful for serious mileage earners.

d-healthcare: Gamified Wellness with a Lottery Twist

NTT Docomo’s d-healthcare app blends health tracking with gamification. Users earn lottery entries—not guaranteed points—for completing missions like walking, weighing in, or answering health quizzes. Most rewards are limited-use d-points (期間・用途限定), which cannot be converted to JAL miles.

Only regular d-points (通常ポイント) are eligible for mileage conversion, typically at a 1,000:500 ratio. Occasionally, Docomo runs bonus campaigns—like the February 2025 promo that offered 10% more miles per point—so it’s worth watching for those.

The app syncs easily with Apple Health, Google Fit, and wearables, and offers medically supervised missions. However, some features (like health consultations) require a ¥400/month subscription, and not all missions appear daily. If you’re a Docomo user who enjoys gamified wellness, it’s a fun way to stay active—but don’t count on it as a primary mileage strategy.

Green Ponta Action: Eco-Friendly Steps Toward JAL Miles

If you’re looking for a walking app that directly supports JAL mileage goals, Green Ponta Action is your best bet. Operated by Loyalty Marketing, this app rewards users for walking, reading SDGs articles, and watching eco-conscious ads. These activities earn “イイコト” (Good Deeds), which convert into regular Ponta points—fully eligible for JAL mileage conversion.

To convert, you’ll need to link your account to JMB×Ponta, the joint program between JAL and Ponta. The standard exchange rate is 2 Ponta points = 1 JAL mile, though occasional campaigns may sweeten the deal.

The app is light on battery (no GPS tracking) and supports Apple Health and Google Fit syncing. While point accumulation is slower than shopping-based Ponta apps, the predictability and flexibility of regular Ponta points make it a solid long-term play for eco-conscious mileage collectors.

Mileage Strategy Recap: Which App Wins?

If your goal is to turn steps into JAL miles, Green Ponta Action is the clear winner. It offers regular Ponta points, a straightforward exchange path to JAL, and a variety of ways to earn beyond just walking.

d-healthcare is more of a wildcard—fun and structured, but heavily reliant on lottery luck and limited-use points. Unless you’re already earning regular d-points through Docomo services, its mileage value is limited.

As for Rakuten’s trio, only Rakuten Health Care and Rakuten Check offer regular points suitable for ANA and JAL mileage strategies. Rakuten Senior is better suited for wellness and community engagement than serious ポイ活.

Pro Tip: Stack Your Steps

Why choose just one? Sync multiple apps to your fitness tracker and let your steps work overtime. For example, you can run Rakuten Health Care, d-healthcare, and Green Ponta Action simultaneously—earning points across ecosystems with every walk to the station or stroll through the park.

In the world of points and miles, every step counts. So lace up, sync up, and start walking your way to your next award flight.