A magnetic
recording head includes a main magnetic pole that generates a recording
magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to a
recording layer, a write shield with a surface that faces a trailing side of the main magnetic pole, so that a write gap is interposed between the surface and the main magnetic pole, the write shield forming a
magnetic core together with the main magnetic pole, a recording coil, a
high frequency oscillator within the write gap, a wiring through which a current can flow through the main magnetic pole, the
high frequency oscillator, and the write shield in series, and a magnetic element made of soft magnetic material, positioned within the write gap and separated from the
high frequency oscillator, and configured to form a magnetic path passing through the main magnetic pole, the magnetic element, and the write shield, and not through the high frequency oscillator.