A tool information read/write device capable of being used in an automatic tool changer to which a conventional tool information read/write device cannot be applied, and a machine tool having the tool information read/write device. The read/write device has an arm section attached to a turret support part; a base section attached to the arm section; a slide section arranged on the base section so as to be linearly moved; a read/write head section attached to the slide section and configured to read/write information to a data carrier of a tool held by the turret; a drive section which drives the slide section so that the slide section reciprocates between a read/write position and an evacuation position; and a control section which controls the drive section in conjunction with a motion of the automatic tool changer.