travelling to japan

Hi from Australia
We are having a 2 week trip to Japan in late July 2008 and would like some help with a suggested plan.
We fly into and out of Osaka so want to start th and finish there.
We are thinkibg of seeing Osaka, Kyoto, Nara nad Tokyo but not sure how much time in each place. Could someone help us with the following please

How many days in each place?
How to travel fom one place to the other.?
Any suggestions of what to see in each city.?
Any thoughts on hotels say mid range price with western facilities.
And what is the best part of each city to stay in.?

If you think we should see anywhere else please let us know.
We would appreciaite any help that can be offered.
Thanks
Michael.