An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit, a compression spring unit, a braking unit, and a switching unit. The compression spring unit serves as an opening and closing mechanism for the image reading unit. The braking unit brakes the opening and closing movement of the image reading unit. The switching unit transmits the rotation of the image reading unit to the braking unit when the image reading unit closes, but does not transmit the rotation of the image reading unit to the braking unit when the image reading unit opens.