An ink jet head cartridge includes an ink jet head unit having an ink passage in which an energy generating element for generating energy used to discharge ink is disposed, and an ink tank adapted to store the ink to be fed to the ink passage and having a vent opening for permitting the interior of the ink tank to communicate with the atmosphere and being formed integrally with the ink jet head unit. In the ink jet cartridge an area where an ink absorber is disposed, and an air area at least a part of which is defined by a tubular member and which is filled with air, are formed in an internal space of the ink tank, and a porous member is disposed in an air passage extending from the air area to the vent opening. An ink tank can be incorporated into the above-mentioned ink jet head cartridge, and an ink jet recording apparatus utilizing the above-mentioned ink jet head cartridge can be provided.