What Is Hitori?
Hitori is a Japanese number logic puzzle played on a square grid. Every cell starts with a number, and the goal is to decide which cells should be shaded black.
After shading, each row and column must have no repeated visible numbers. That means duplicate numbers create pressure, but not every duplicate is automatically black.
The puzzle also has two spatial rules: black cells cannot touch orthogonally, and all remaining white cells must stay connected as one group.
How to Play Hitori
Hitori rewards careful elimination because number rules and connectivity rules work together.
- 1Scan each row and column for repeated numbers.
- 2Shade a cell black when that copy of the number must be removed.
- 3Mark a cell white when it must stay visible.
- 4Never place black cells directly above, below, left, or right of each other.
- 5Keep checking that the remaining white cells can still connect into one area.
- 6Finish when every row and column has unique visible numbers, no black cells touch, and all white cells connect.
Hitori Difficulty Levels
- •Easy uses a 5x5 grid for learning the black-cell and connectivity rules.
- •Medium moves to 6x6 with more duplicate interactions.
- •Hard uses a 7x7 grid with tighter connectivity decisions.
- •Expert uses an 8x8 grid for deeper row, column, and area logic.
Hitori FAQ
Are all repeated numbers in Hitori black?
No. Repeated numbers tell you at least one copy may need to be shaded, but the adjacency and connectivity rules decide which copy is correct.
Can black cells touch diagonally?
Yes. Black cells cannot touch above, below, left, or right. Diagonal contact is allowed.
What does the white circle mark mean?
A white circle means you have confirmed the cell should remain visible. It is a note for your solve and counts as a final white decision.
Why does connectivity matter in Hitori?
All non-black cells must form one connected area. This prevents solutions that split the white cells into isolated islands.
Can I play Hitori without downloading anything?
Yes. You can play Hitori directly in your browser with no download and no signup.