Provided is image display apparatus, in which a surface to be scanned is two-dimensionally scanned with a light beam which is modulated based on image information and emitted from a light source means and an image formed on the surface to be scanned is observed through an optical system, wherein a synchronization light detection device to obtain synchronization signal related to a scanning start position on the surface to be scanned is disposed on the surface to be scanned, on the vicinity thereof, or on a surface optically conjugate therewith, so that a synchronization signal can be detected with high precision and a preferable quality image can be displayed for observation, and image taking apparatus including the image display apparatus.