Himeji Castle
Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, 1333-1868
The Himeji castle stands as the finest example of Japanese castle architecture, composed if 83 buildigns and an advanced defensive system. Originating in 1333 when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on to of the hill, it has been reconstructed and renovated over the years by different learders, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ikeda Terumasa, and Honda Tadamasa. Throughout the building are feudal family crests the recognize various lords that have inhabited the castle since 1333. One of the largest and most visited castles in Japan, it is considered one of Japan’s three premier castles.
Windsor Castle
Various architects, Berkshire, England
Windsor Castle stands as the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Over the years it has been used by a succession of English monarchs. Originally, this medieval castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, designed to protect Norman dominance around the outskirts of London. Essentially, the castle has a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure with Neogothic features. Monarchs including Henry III, Edward III, Charles I, Charles II, George III, George IV, and Queen Victoria have modified the castle per their own uses. Architect Jeffry Wyattville designed the Round Tower, much of the upper ward, and the eastern end of the State Apartments. Architect Hugh May constructed both the East and North terraces that overlook the River Thames and designed the majority of the western side of the State Apartments. The Lower Ward was largely redesigned in the Victorian period by Anthony Salvin and Edward Blore who formed a consistently Gothic composition. Overall, the castle encompasses over 900 years of British history and stands as a symbol of the monarchy of England.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Domenico Quaglio, Schwangau, Germany, 1833
This home to King Ludwig II of Barvaria located near the town of Fussen in Germany was built on the remains of the fortress Schwantstein. In 1833, Ludwig II’s father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria, commissioned the reconstruction of the castle under the architect Domenico Quaglio. The exterior of the building is distinctly neogothic in style.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Eduard Riedel, Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
King Ludwig II of Barvaria commissioned the German architect and Bavarian government building officer Eduard Riedel to design the Neuschwanstein Castle as a personal refuge. The king was so involved in the design of the castle that it has often been regarded as his own creation. Romanesque shapes, Gothic towers and embellishments, and Byzantine decor are mingled throughout the building. These factors culminate into a palace that embodies the fashion of “castle romanticism” and picturesque buildings. Overall, the palace has a theatrical effect that commands the viewers attention.
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/ealac/V3613/himeji/tpage.htm
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=34
http://www.hohenschwangau.de/index.php?id=430
http://www.neuschwanstein.de/
Architecture of Authority 
i felt that castles were very well suited for the theme of architecture. The castles have a a lot of architectural patterns and techniques associated with them; which makes them a perfect example.
the information presented is also very informative. these are castles are ones that i have heard of, but am not very well informed on. Now that i have read your articles, i have learned a lot more about these castles.
Thank you for your information.
I felt that you did a very nice job with descriptions of these castles. Good job with giving a lot of background information for each of the castles! I also enjoyed seeing castles from many different parts of the world. I could see that each of the different areas (Germany, England, and Japan) have their own distinct architectural style.