An optical scanning apparatus includes an optical source, a deflection part deflecting an optical beam emitted from the optical source, plural optical elements directing or focusing the optical beam deflected by the deflection part to corresponding one of plural image carrying bodies, a holding member holding the plural optical elements, wherein the optical beam scans the respective image carrying bodies in a main scanning direction, and wherein the holding member includes a pair of holding member elements disposed so as to face each other in the main scanning direction, and the plural optical elements are held between the pair of holding member elements in a bridged state.