A vibration wave motor includes a vibrator, a pressing member configured to press the vibrator against a friction member, a holding member configured to hold the vibrator, and a buffering member provided between the vibrator and the holding member. The vibrator and the friction member are moved relatively to each other in a relative movement direction by vibration of the vibrator, and the holding member holds the vibrator in such a manner that an extending part extending in a pressing direction of the pressing member sandwiches the vibrator and the buffering member.