A pole layer has an end that is located in a medium facing surface and that incorporates a first side closer to a gap layer and a second side opposite to the first side. A shield layer has an end that is located in the medium facing surface and that has an edge on a side of the gap layer. This edge includes: a first portion facing toward the first side, the gap layer being disposed in between; two second portions that are disposed on both sides of the first portion opposed to each other in the direction of the track width and that are disposed such that a difference in level is created between the first portion and each of the second portions; a third portion connecting an end of the first portion to one of the second portions; and a fourth portion connecting the other end of the first portion to the other one of the second portions. Each of the above-mentioned difference in level and the distance between the straight line drawn in line with the second side and the second portions is smaller than the distance between the straight line and the first portion.