Hi forumer...just want to check if we need visa to travel to japan?

Hi forumers! I will be travelling to osaka and kyoto this coming September...this will be my first solo backpacking trip and the duration is 7 days/7 nights....I plan to spend 3 nights in osaka, 3 nights in kyoto (including a day trip to Nara) and 1 night in koyasan...would like to seek some advice from you guys on the followings :-

1) good guesthouse/hostel that u recommend
2) cheapest mode of transport to these places
3) ur suggestion on the itinerary
4) any good places that could not be missed

Thanks in advance guys

Thanks...I did my homework but pretty confused with certain things...the mode of transport between and with osaka and kyoto....is it cheaper to us icoca or to use the JR pass? Can anyone enlighten me of this?

Hi below will be my itinerary

Day 1- arrive at KIX airport and travel to Osaka city (overnight in Osaka)
Day 2 - Osaka full day trip (plan to use osaka unlimited pass) (overnight in osaka)
Day 3 - travel from osaka to kyoto (overnight in kyoto)
Day 4 - kyoto (overnight in kyoto)
Day 5 - day trip to Nara (overnight in kyoto)
Day 6 - back from kyoto to osaka then travel to koyasan on that day (overnight in koyasan)
Day 7 - travel from koyasan to osaka (overnight in osaka)
Day 8 - do some shopping is osaka and then go to the airport

Want to check:
1) better to travel to Nara from osaka or kyoto....as far as I am concern, cheaper and faster if we travel from kyoto...pls correct me if I am wrong
2) do I need Kansai thru pass if I am to travel from osaka to kyoto back to osaka?

If that is the case I think I need to have both icoca and Kansai thru pass correct? Is my itinerary appropriate ?