A light emitting device includes: a light emitting element including: a semiconductor structure including an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer, each containing a nitride semiconductor, a p-electrode disposed on a portion of a surface of the p-type semiconductor layer on a side opposite to a surface provided with the active layer, and an n-electrode disposed on a surface of the n-type semiconductor layer on a side opposite to a surface provided with the active layer in a region other than a region facing the p-electrode; and a protective film continuously covering a surface of the n-electrode and a surface of the n-type semiconductor layer. The protective film includes a first metal oxide film and a second metal oxide film that are alternately layered, the first metal oxide film containing a first metal, and the second metal oxide film containing a second metal.