An image pickup unit includes a fixed frame configured to hold an objective lens, a moving frame movable in a first direction along a photographing optical axis and a second direction, and provided with a moving lens, an urging member configured to urge the moving frame in the second direction, an actuator including a contact member provided to be separable from the moving frame and advanced and retracted by pushing and pulling of a driving wire, the actuator moving the moving frame in the first direction when the contact member moves in the first direction； and a guide member through which the contact member is inserted to be linearly guided and a cover member configuring the actuator, a distal end portion of the cover member being connected to a proximal end portion of the guide member, and the cover member covering the driving wire.
