An electrochromic element is provided. The electrochromic element includes a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), an electrolyte (5) disposed between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3), a first layer (4) overlying the first electrode (2), and a second layer (7) overlying the second electrode (3). The first layer (4) contains an oxidizable color-developing electrochromic compound. The second layer (7) contains a compound (6) having the following formula (1): wherein each of R 1 to R 5 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a monovalent organic group, and at least one of R 1 to R 5 has a functional group directly or indirectly bindable to hydroxyl group.