An imaging optical system includes: a first lens group having negative power; a second lens group having positive power; a third lens group having negative power; and a fourth lens group having power, which are arranged in this order such that the first lens group is located closest to an object and the fourth lens group is located closest to an optical image. The first lens group includes: a first negative lens; a second negative lens; and a third negative lens which is a meniscus lens having negative power and a convex surface facing the optical image, which are arranged in this order such that the first negative lens is located closest to the object and the third negative lens is located closest to the optical image. During focusing from an infinity focus point toward a close focus point, the third lens group moves along an optical axis.