A Group III nitride semiconductor device has a semiconductor region, a metal electrode, and a transition layer. The semiconductor region has a surface comprised of a Group III nitride crystal. The semiconductor region is doped with a p-type dopant. The surface is one of a semipolar surface and a nonpolar surface. The metal electrode is provided on the surface. The transition layer is formed between the Group III nitride crystal of the semiconductor region and the metal electrode. The transition layer is made by interdiffusion of a metal of the metal electrode and a Group III nitride of the semiconductor region.