A magnetic field generator (10) capable of generating a more intense magnetic field, and an MRI apparatus (200) using it are provided. Permanent magnets (12a), (12b), (14a), (14b), (16a), (16b), (18a), (18b), (20a), (20b), (22) and (24) are disposed annularly for formation of a magnetic field generation space (30). Ferromagnetic materials (26a) and (26b) are provided near the magnetic field generation space (30), at places passed by a magnetic flux. Each of the permanent magnets (12a), (14a), (16a), (18a) and (20a) surrounding the ferromagnetic material (26a) is magnetized so as to make an S pole on the side of the ferromagnetic material (26a). Each of the permanent magnets (12b), (14b), (16b), (18b) and (20b) surrounding the ferromagnetic material (26b) is magnetized so as to make an N pole on the side of the ferromagnetic material (26b). An MRI apparatus (200) is obtained by using the magnetic field generator (10).