This endoscope includes: an elongated insertion portion； a flexible tube portion that forms a proximal end side of the insertion portion； a rigidity changing mechanism which is provided inside the tube of the flexible tube portion and is for changing the rigidity of the flexible tube portion upon operation on the user side； and a large diameter portion which is provided on the outer circumference of the flexible tube portion and indicates, on the flexible tube portion, the distal end of a changeable rigidity region thereof which is controlled by the rigidity changing mechanism.
