A bidirectional switching device includes a semiconductor multilayer structure made of a nitride semiconductor, a first ohmic electrode and a second ohmic electrode which are formed on the semiconductor multilayer structure, and a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode. The first gate electrode is covered with a first shield electrode having a potential substantially equal to that of the first ohmic electrode. The second gate electrode is covered with the second shield electrode having a potential substantially equal to that of the second ohmic electrode. An end of the first shield electrode is positioned between the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode, and an end of the second shield electrode is positioned between the second gate electrode and the first gate electrode.