1. An image retrieval apparatus, comprising: a retrieving unit configured to retrieve a target image similar to specified image data from a storage unit storing a distinctive feature area image stored in association with the target image as a key image; an extracting unit configured to extract the distinctive feature area image associated with the target image retrieved by the retrieving unit; a display unit having a display screen to display the distinctive area image; and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display multiple distinctive feature area images on the display screen in a give time interval in an order according to distinctive feature area image type.