The startability of an ultraviolet ray generation device including an excimer lamp as an ultraviolet light source is to be improved. An ultraviolet ray generation device includes: an excimer lamp having a discharge container in which a discharge gas is sealed; a first electrode body and a second electrode body that are disposed so as not to be exposed to the discharge gas; and a first conductor electrically connected to one of the first electrode body and the second electrode body. The first conductor faces the other electrode body or a second conductor electrically connected to the other electrode body, through a dielectric member. The first conductor causes an atmospheric discharge around the first conductor.