Disclosed is a tape loading device of a video tape recorder provided with an inclined video head cylinder and a capstan. The tape loading device includes a first guide member for feeding a tape on a horizontal path to the inclined video head cylinder, a second guide member for taking out the tape from the video head cylinder, and a third guide member for guiding the tape having passed the second guide member. The first, second and third guide members move along the video head cylinder and are in contact with the internal surface of the tape during the tape loading operation. The tape loading device further includes a fourth guide member for restoring the tape from an inclined path to a horizontal path during the tape loading operation by contacting the external surface of the tape, and an auxiliary inclined member for moving the tape inwardly during the tape loading operation so that the tape may be restored from an inclined path to a horizontal path. The auxiliary inclined member functions to make large the tape winding angle with respect to the third guide member. After the tape loading operation, a tape path is completed along the first guide member, the video head cylinder, the second, third and fourth members, and the capstan.