There are provided an ink composition including a coloring material, a hydrophilic organic solvent, polymer particles that have a minimum filming temperature (MFTdisp) of 60° C. or more when dispersed in water and that have a MFT 40° C. or more lower than the MFTdisp when mixed with water and 25 mass % of the hydrophilic organic solvent based on a solid content of the polymer, and water; an ink set including the ink composition and a treating liquid capable of forming an aggregate upon contact with the ink composition; and an ink-jet recording method using the ink composition or the ink set.