A semiconductor memory device in an embodiment comprises memory cells, each of the memory cells disposed between a first line and a second line and having a variable resistance element and a switching element connected in series. The variable resistance element includes a variable resistance layer configured to change in resistance value thereof between a low-resistance state and a high-resistance state. The variable resistance layer is configured by a transition metal oxide. A ratio of transition metal and oxygen configuring the transition metal oxide varies between 1:1 and 1:2 along a first direction directed from the first line to the second line.