looking for cheap accomodation in kyoto and osaka

This is based purely on googling it up, not experience, so adjust your filters accordingly.

Anyway - the cheapest single accommodation I've been able to locate online is in capsule hotels, prices being around 3000Y per night.
Google "capsule hotel osaka" for results. I've been told that capsule hotels aren't really meant for gaijin, and the staff may actually turn you around because they don't know what on earth you're saying, but I imagine polite and steadfast attitude will help here. (Someone more seasoned in gallivanting around Japan may correct me.)

I'd be interested in hearing what cheaper options there are, too.

Cheers,
ata

Hello.
I recommend you Hotel Chuo.
It is located near the Shin-Imamiya station, Osaka.
Please check this site.
http://www.hotel-chuo.com/english/index.html<BR><BR>Recently I see many backpacker at this area.
To tell the truth, I don't recommend you to stay this area.
Because it's dirty, noisy, and not safe.
(Although I live in near there.)

I hope you enjoy Japan.
Kaoru

Hi
Check out this link.
If you have your own sleeping bag it is only 900 yen per night. No sleeping bag costs a little more. I stayed here. It is clean enough and in a pretty good location in Kyoto. You will not find cheaper.

if you have no sleeping bag it is 2000 yen, click on rates (Top of page), then on the left- tatami course =900 yen, bed course = 2000 yen
hope this helps
cheers

thanks a lot!
sven.