To optimize an adaptive equalizer with a simple controlling circuit, the receiving device includes a number counting part counting, in a range of detection having a predetermined width, a sampling result corresponding to the input signal being shaped by an equalizer circuit at a determination timing indicated by a clock signal obtained in a CDR circuit, a zone scanning part scanning the range of detection in a scanning zone including a variation range of the input signal; a coefficient altering part altering an equalizer coefficient set to the equalizer circuit; a peak detecting part detecting a peak value of a number of appearances of the sampling result according to alteration of the equalizer coefficient and scanning of the range of detection; and a coefficient specifying part specifying the equalizer coefficient being used when detecting the peak value in the peak detecting part as a first coefficient.