A light emitting element includes an optical semiconductor layer (2) obtained by sequentially laminating a first semiconductor layer (2a), a light emitting layer (2b), and a second semiconductor layer (2c); a first electrode layer (3) that is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (2a); and a second electrode layer (7) that is electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (2c). The second electrode layer (7) includes a conductive reflecting layer (4) positioned on the second semiconductor layer (2c), and a conductive layer (5) having a plurality of through holes (6) that are positioned on the conductive reflecting layer (4) and penetrate therethrough in a thickness direction thereof.