A rotary damper includes: a shaft capable of rotating about a central axis; a pair of side panels that support the shaft rotatably; a case provided between the pair of side panels such that an operating chamber is defined in an interior thereof; a vane provided on the shaft such that a tip end thereof slides against an inner periphery of the case, thereby dividing the operating chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a damping valve provided in the shaft to apply resistance to a flow of a fluid traveling between the first chamber and the second chamber.