This endoscope is provided with an elongate insertable part having an observing window in the tip part and an observing system for observing an object by receiving a light entering through the observing window and is further provided with contents which are contained within the insertable part and at least one of which varies in the outside diameter so as to be smaller in the diameter on the rear end side, driven parts provided in the insertable part and driving parts driving the driven parts and arranged to be closer to the rear end side than the position in which the contents vary in the outside diameter. The contents are, for example, an image guide and light guide coated with protective tubes in the curvable part. The driven parts are, for example, a curvable part and treating tool raising device provided in the insertable part. Alternatively, the endoscope is provided with an insertable part, an observing system, a curvable part provided in the inserting part and a plurality of driving devices provided within the insertable part and driving the curvable part so as to be curved. At least one of the driving devices is arranged in a different position in the axial direction of the insertable part from the other driving devices.