Kansai Nightlife: Help, please!

[Naniwan Kid]

I am taking a friend to Kansai in a couple weeks and have been out of the night scene for a while. It'll be his first time to Japan, and I want to show him the scene, but I've been out of the loop for a few years. We're just looking for a variety of night time spots in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and/or Nara. We're not looking to break the bank, but also don't want anything too scummy.

Thanks for your help.