[godwine]

I agree with others that prices goes up and down, but I fly to Japan frequent enough from Tronto to tell you that 1300 is a good price.

In most cases, you won't find a flight cheaper than 1100 to fly to Tokyo, the price may fluctuate between 699-999, but they screw you on the tax, so on an average, you will be spending between 1100-1400 to fly in to Tokyo.

While flying in to Osaka will cost another 300-600, so if you can find a flight that fly you to Osaka for 1300 tax in, take it.....

In terms of hotel my recommendations:

Osaka: Dotonbori Hotel (5 minutes walk from Namba), or the Family Inn Fifity's
Kyoto: The Granvia (it will be pricey, but should fit within your budget if you are willing to spend 90 p/p/n
Yokohama: Super Hotel Shin Yokohama
Tokyo: Hotel Sun Targas (Ueno)

There are others, but these will probably fit in your range, and it will be business hotel (some comes with daily breakfast) with your own washroom and bath, far better than a hostel...