A manufacturing method of a magnetic recording medium having a surface where a lubricating layer is provided, the manufacturing method includes the steps of: applying a lubricant so that the lubricating layer is formed; and inspecting the magnetic recording medium where the lubricating layer is formed; wherein the step of inspecting includes a first step of floating a magnetic head over the magnetic recording medium or sliding the magnetic head on a surface of the magnetic recording medium; a second step of adhering a medium facing surface of the magnetic head to a surface of a substrate for measuring, standing the medium facing surface of the magnetic head on the surface of the substrate for measuring, and transferring the lubricant from the medium facing surface of the magnetic head to the substrate for measuring; a third step of measuring an amount of the lubricant on the surface of the substrate for measuring; and a fourth step of determining whether the amount of the lubricant is proper.