A plasma processing method includes holding a target substrate on a holding table installed in a processing chamber; generating a microwave for plasma excitation; supplying a reactant gas having dissociation property; generating an electric field by introducing the microwave via a dielectric plate disposed to face the holding table; setting a distance between the holding table and the dielectric plate is set to a first distance based on periodicity of a standing wave formed in the dielectric plate by the introduction of the microwave, and generating plasma in the processing chamber in a state where the electric field is generated in the processing chamber; and after the generating of the plasma, setting the distance to a second distance shorter than the first distance by moving the holding table up and down, and performing the plasma process on the target substrate.