eeb

If you want a more "traditional" sleep, try:

Hotel Fukudaya http://www2.gol.com/users/ryokan-fukudaya/

It's cheap, and right in Shibuya. Go for a Japanese style room if you can.

or

Tokyo ryokan http://www.tokyoryokan.com/

Very cheap, new building, in Asakusa

or

Andon Ryokan http://www.andon.co.jp/

New building in an older neighborhood... pretty inexpensive

I'm looking for a place to stay in Osaka for one night only. A location near good shopping or with interesting/new design... I'll only be there for an afternoon and morning.

Downtown:

Townline tailors.

The clientele looks very suit and tie.

Just had some wool pants taken in. They did a great job for $15

On Howe Street, between Dunsmuir and Pender.

Definitely stay in a Ryokan in Kyoto. They range from modest accommodation, to super deluxe. Some include Kaiseki dinners in your room (an absolute must if you visit Kyoto, each dish is chosen according to season, colour, texture. Plates and bowls are specifically selected to compliment... it goes on for hours...) and breakfast. You will most likely sleep on a Futon, laid on a tatami floor.

They are all over Kyoto. A good start is japaneseguesthouses.com

If you prefer a luxury business hotel, I think the Hyatt looks good, and it is quite new.