An optical connector includes: a plurality of first ferrules; a first housing that houses the plurality of first ferrules; a plurality of second ferrules; and a second housing that houses the plurality of second ferrules. The first housing includes: a plurality of first inner housings; and a first outer housing. The optical connector butt-couples the first ferrules and the second ferrules, respectively, by mating the first housing and the second housing. Each of the plurality of first inner housings houses at least one of the plurality of first ferrules. The first outer housing is releasable from the plurality of first inner housings. The plurality of first inner housings and the second housing are mated in stages. When each of the plurality of first inner housings and the second housing are mated, each of the plurality of first inner housings to be mated is released from the first outer housing.