An embodiment of the invention relates to a bent optical fiber manufacturing method for manufacturing a bent optical fiber in which a bent region with a desired radius of curvature is formed, while maintaining an optical transmission loss within a permissible range. The method has a pre-step of preparing an optical fiber comprised of silica-based glass, a bend portion forming step of forming a bend portion in a partial region of the optical fiber, and a laser light irradiating step of irradiating the thus-formed bend portion with laser light.