A variable resistance element including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a variable resistance layer having a resistance value which reversibly changes according to electrical signals applied, wherein the variable resistance layer includes a first variable resistance layer comprising a first oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide, and a second variable resistance layer comprising a second transition metal oxide having a degree of oxygen deficiency lower than a degree of oxygen deficiency of the first transition metal oxide layer, the second electrode has a single needle-shaped part at the interface with the second variable resistance layer, and the second variable resistance layer is interposed between the first variable resistance layer and the second electrode, is in contact with the first variable resistance layer and the second electrode, and covers the needle-shaped part.