An optical unit includes: a fixed portion configured to hold at least one of an object side fixed lens group and an image side fixed lens group； a movable portion configured to hold a movable lens group between the object side fixed lens group and the image side fixed lens group； and a voice coil motor configured to relatively move the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in a direction of a central axis, the voice coil motor including a coil arranged on the fixed portion, and magnets magnetically polarized in directions orthogonal to the central axis and substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis. At least two magnets adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction in a cross section orthogonal to the central axis are arranged so as to be shifted in opposite directions in a circumferential direction.
