Provided is a wireless communication apparatus wherein random multi-access can be performed while ensuring a transmission distance, even with a radio wave having directivity. A wireless communication apparatus (100) transmits/receives directional radio waves and performs ad hoc network communication with other wireless communication apparatuses. The wireless communication apparatus is provided with an antenna (110) for transmitting/receiving the directional radio waves and switching the directivity, and a control section (132) for controlling timing for switching the directivity of the antenna.