A positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector, and a positive electrode active material layer that is provided on the positive electrode current collector and that includes a positive electrode active material, a conductive auxiliary agent, and a binder. A surface of the positive electrode active material layer has a reflectance Rc in a range of 2.0≤Rc≤12.0% at a wavelength of 550 nm. A lithium ion secondary battery includes: the positive electrode; a negative electrode including a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer that is provided on the negative electrode current collector and that includes a negative electrode active material; a separator; and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. A surface of the negative electrode active material layer has a reflectance Ra in a range of 7.5≤Ra≤16.0% at a wavelength of 550 nm.