According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording apparatus includes a current modulator and a recording head. The current modulator modulates current according to codes with run-length limitation in which a run-length is limited to a predetermined number. The recording head moves relative to the surface of a magnetic recording medium where the information is recorded based on directions of magnetizations and forms the magnetizations by the modulated current. The recording head includes a coil and a magnetic core. The coil generates a magnetic field corresponding to the modulated current. The magnetic core extends inside the coil with an end facing the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic core forms the magnetizations by guiding and applying the magnetic field from the end to the magnetic recording medium. The length of the end in the direction in which the magnetizations are aligned is not less than a length of the predetermined number.