Japanese Castles

I will be in Japan for 10 days in August and want to see as many castles as I can. What are some good groupings of castles that people go and see together (like if they are to see 2 or 3 castles in a day)? So far I plan on seeing Nagoya, Matsumoto, Himeji, Hikkone, Osako, Nijo and Inuyama - any other suggestions?

Osaka, Himeji and Okayama would make a nice and busy 1-day combo. You could also replace Okayamajo by Nijojo.

Nagoya, Inuyama and Hikone would be another nice 1-day combo.

Bear in mind that it will be very hot and visiting castles usually involves a lot of walking- don't be too ambitious unless you are used to being active in 35 degrees C (possibly higher) and high humidity.

Have visited a few castles in Japan and must say that Himeji Jyo was the best of them. It is quite a big castle and it will take you a few hours to get around it especially in summer when it is quite hot. You would really want to spend enough time to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for the place.

Depending on what interests you, you can check out this site to see where they are and photos.
http://www.jcastle.info/castle/map/

There are only 12 J castles with original keep now.
http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gauss/japan222.gif

The 5 castles designated National Treasures.
-Himeji
-Hikone
-Matsumoto
-Inuyama(near Nagoya)
-Nijo(in Kyoto)

If you are also interested in castle site, Takeda Castle and Takatori Castle are famous.

more info
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/castle_town/index.h...

I would slow down a bit. Taking a good slow look at Himeji Castle will take most of the day. You can also wander the surrounding gardens. If you arrive early you might be able to get a volunteer guide to show you around. I would also recommend you do some back ground research so you know what you are looking at. You can start at
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html

Osaka Castle is more of a museum in the shape of a castle than an actual castle. The current building was built in 1931 and has an elevator that will take you to the top.