An optical near-field generating element is provided with: a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light; and a dielectric film placed in close contact with the micro opening. Alternatively, an optical near-field generating element is provided with a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of lights emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light, the shielding member equipped with: a main portion for defining a basic shape of the micro opening; and a protrusion portion protruding from the main portion toward the center of the micro opening.