Thinking of heading to japan for 10 days in September/October. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations on cheap accommodation that is fairly central. Also I was wondering if people have places to suggest seeing. So far I know I want to go to Tokyo and Kyoto but I'm unsure as to how much time to devote to each place.

I heard there's a capsule hotel in Tokyo that is super cheap. Sorry I don't know the name/details. We did airbnb in Tokyo and Kyoto for about $90/night for 4 people. I recommend checking out Osaka as well. 5-7 days would be good for Tokyo IMO.

We stayed at hotel rose garden in Shinjuku part of Tokyo about 140 per night. If you have more people airbnb will be cheaper per person.
We also went to Osaka. I would recommend a JR Pass if you want to travel a lot. It is expensive but going back and forth to airport and Tokyo to Osaka we got our value.
If you want to plan trips use Google maps...... It lusts exact times and fares from each place

We rented a house in Tokyo last year for a family of four. The owner is an American who moved to Japan.
http://www.tokhouse.com
If you plan to go to Kyoto, you can do a day trip to Osaka. It is about 30 minutes on the JR train.
Consider buying the JR pass to get around Japan. You need to buy the JR pass http://www.japanrailpass.net/sphone/en/
TOKHOUSE.COM
Tokhouse KK

Lots to see and do in Tokyo - worth at least 5 days of your trip

how long do you guys think is good for Kyoto?

2-3 days

Depends on how many shrines you want to visit. 60%+ of things to do in Kyoto is visiting shines (IMO at least)

Forgot to mention we paid about $130/night.

If you go to Osaka I know someone who'd be living there who I think would be down for going for dinner or something.

My 12 y/o and I enjoyed 7 days in Tokyo and 5 in Kyoto in March 2015. We stayed in a combination of hotels and airbnb. In Tokyo and Kyoto we stayed at Super Hotels (basic Japanese traveler hotels) they were clean and functional, fantastic staff and you can include an inexpensive breakfast (basic but will get your day started) the Super Hotel in Tokyo at Tokyo Station was a perfect location for walking, restaurants, seeing many gardens and parks including Ginza, imperial Palace and with the station less than a block, access to all prefectures via train and bus. Also the Shinkansen leaves from Tokyo station for Kyoto. All Super Hotels have an Onsan (highly recommend). Rooms and bathrooms may be small by NA standard but service is good and everything very clean. If you stay 3 nights you get a discount on a future stay which we applied to the Kyoto property. We also stayed in an airbnb at the fish market - also an excellent location and affordable. In Kyoto we rented bikes and rode for miles to various temples and shrines. A bus or taxi will get you to the outliers and you can hike in beautiful forests with "secret" shrines. Also be sure to try the natural hot pool spa for your feet at the end of the team line near the bamboo forest. Food was incredible everywhere! Enjoy! http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g1066444...

Somewhat central in Tokyo, cheap, and super awesome vibe: http://backpackersjapan.co.jp/nui_en/

Depends on what your idea of fun is. Kyoto is quiet and beautiful, Tokyo is where all the action is. Tons of British/Irish pubs around and there is a big comedy scene, check these guys:)
https://www.facebook.com/TokyoImprov

Go to nara, it's near Osaka/Kyoto. Look it up, cool place

Tokyo robot cabaret is amazing. Indescribable, once in a lifetime experience, fun fun fun! In shinjuku

Fushimi Imari shrine in Kyoto not to be missed. Hike thru torjii gates. Convenient to train stn.