Serious cleaning issues.
We confirmed our stay several times leading up to our arrival.
Arriving at the Airbnb, it was obvious it hadn't been cleaned since the last tenant.
The host admitted the cleaner had forgot. We waited hours for the cleaner (a man reeking of smokes) to turn up and do a basic tidy-up.
He seemed like the host's friend rather than a cleaning company's staff member, but the host refused to refund our cleaning costs, stating:
1. The cleaner cleaned our Airbnb, even if it was late (we had to wait close to midnight outside in the cold rain)
2. We should've taken up the matter with the cleaner directly (the cleaner only spoke Japanese, and we felt it wasn't our place to confront him)
3. The cleaning company had to be paid (again, he looked to be a hired friend rather than a professional cleaner. It took TWO HOURS for him to vacuum the floor and make the bed)
The host eventually agreed to refund ¥1,000 of the cleaning cost (out of ¥6,000), but the Airbnb protocols clearly say a refund should be given if the room isn't cleaned between guests.
It's very unfortunate to say this, but we recommend to avoid this Airbnb and host. :(