A perpendicular magnetic recording head according to one embodiment includes a main pole; first magnetic films arranged on both sides of the main pole in a track width direction via nonmagnetic films; and a second magnetic film arranged on a trailing side of the main pole via a nonmagnetic film; wherein the depths of the first magnetic films from an air bearing surface are smaller than the depth of the second magnetic film from the air bearing surface at least at a periphery of the main pole. A perpendicular magnetic recording head according to another embodiment includes a main pole; first magnetic films arranged on both sides of the main pole in a track width direction via nonmagnetic films; and a second magnetic film arranged on a trailing side of the main pole via a nonmagnetic film; wherein the main pole and the first magnetic films have respective tapered portions whose thicknesses become larger toward the side opposite to an air bearing surface, and the tapered portions are in contact with the second magnetic film. Additional embodiments are also presented.