A semiconductor light emitting element includes: a light emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer laminated on an n-type semiconductor layer; a transparent conductive layer laminated on the p-type semiconductor layer; a transparent insulating layer laminated on the transparent conductive layer and the exposed n-type semiconductor layer, the transparent insulating layer having plural tapered through-holes formed therein; a p-electrode formed on the transparent conductive layer with the transparent insulating layer interposed therebetween, the p-electrode being connected to the transparent conductive layer via the through-holes provided for the transparent insulating layer; and an n-electrode formed on the n-type semiconductor layer with the transparent insulating layer interposed therebetween, the n-electrode being connected to the n-type semiconductor layer via the through-holes provided for the transparent insulating layer.