An ink jet recording apparatus is provided. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a supporting member for supporting a recording medium, an ink head comprising a nozzle surface disposed opposite the recording medium during a print operation, an ultraviolet light irradiation device coupled to the ink head in a freely movable manner, an ink head aiding system comprising a plurality of elements including at least a wiper for wiping the nozzle surface of the ink head or a cap for covering the nozzle surface of the ink head, and at least a portion of the irradiation section of the ultraviolet light irradiation device is located in front of at least one of the elements of the ink head aiding system.