A light emitting device includes a flexible substrate, at least one light emitting element, and a cover member. The flexible substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and includes a flexible base member and wiring portions disposed on a first surface side. The cover member is arranged on the second surface of the flexible substrate and defines at least a part of a recess defining an air layer. The recess is positioned so that a total maximum thickness of the flexible substrate and the cover member in a region corresponding to a region on the first surface where the at least one light emitting element is arranged is smaller than a total maximum thickness of the flexible substrate and the cover member in a region other than the region corresponding to the region on the first surface where the at least one light emitting element is arranged.