【Japan Travel Hack】Get Free Drinks from Vending Machines with This App

Vending machines are found everywhere in Japan, offering a huge variety of drinks.

They are very useful when you get thirsty while walking around Japan.

In this post, we will introduce an app that allows you to get a drink for free from these vending machines.

A person using a Japanese vending machine

Get Free Drinks with the “Coke ON” App

This popular app, “Coke ON,” has been downloaded by over 40 million people in Japan.

The concept is simple: you earn rewards just by walking.

How It Works: Walk and Earn

Here’s how you can get free drinks.

  1. Set a Weekly Step Goal: You can set a goal in the app, for example, 35,000 steps for the week (about 5,000 steps per day).
  2. Achieve Your Goal & Earn Stamps: When you reach your step goal, you’ll earn a stamp.
  3. Collect 15 Stamps for a Free Drink: Once you collect 15 stamps, you can exchange them for a free drink ticket usable at a compatible vending machine.

Walking 5,000 steps is roughly equivalent to 3.5 kilometers (about 2.2 miles), so you can easily earn stamps while exploring tourist attractions.

Source: Coke ON App

Your Essential Companion for This Hack

To use the Coke ON app effectively while sightseeing, you’ll also be using map and translation apps, which can drain your phone’s battery quickly.

A reliable power bank is an absolute must-have to ensure your phone stays charged all day long.

Important: This app only works with “Coke ON” compatible Coca-Cola vending machines. Look for the Coke ON logo.

You Might Also Like

Besides cash, many vending machines in Japan accept IC cards for payment.

Learn all about these convenient travel cards.

【Unlock Easy Train Travel】Your Guide to Getting a Suica or PASMO Card

If you found this guide helpful, please give it a like!