There is provided an image processing apparatus that includes a feature data calculating unit, a distribution map generating unit, and a display control unit. The feature data calculating unit calculates feature data of each image contained in a group of sequential images that are taken by an image taking apparatus. The distribution map generating unit includes a representative vector calculating unit and a representative vector arrangement determining unit, and generates a distribution map that represents an overall trend of the group of sequential images. The representative vector calculating unit calculates a predetermined number of representative vectors that represent a plurality of images contained in the group of sequential images. The representative vector arrangement determining unit determines arrangement of the calculated representative vectors on the distribution map. The display control unit displays the distribution map on a display unit.