A control timing synchronization method is executed by a first and a second optical transmission apparatus. The first optical transmission apparatus: superimposes on a main signal and transmits, information of control process details; waits for a first period; subsequently, superimposes on the main signal and transmits, a message giving notification of control start timing; waits for a second period; and subsequently switches a process of the first optical transmission apparatus to a process corresponding to the control process details. The second optical transmission apparatus: acquires the information on the main signal; waits until detection of the message on the main signal, when a process is present that is to be executed by the second optical transmission apparatus based on the information; waits for the second period when the message is detected while waiting for the detection of the message; and subsequently, executes a process corresponding to the information.