I visited Nagoya Castle and was extremely impressed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya_Castle). I have seen the Forbidden City in China and a few castles in England. There seems to have been more attention placed on aesthetics above and beyond utility compared to other castles I have seen.
More photos at:
http://s883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/foxhugh/Japan%20Nagoya/
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