The potential of the Tenryū River valley for hydroelectric power development was realized by the Taishō period Japanese government in the early 20th century.

The Tenryū River was characterized by a high volume of flow and a fast current.

By the late 1960s, numerous dams had been constructed on the river’s upper and middle reaches and on several of its tributaries.

It supplies water to the nearby Funagira Hydroelectric Power Station, with a rated capacity of 32,000 kW.

[citation needed] The Funagira Dam Reservoir is a popular attraction for canoeing and camping, due to its proximity to downtown Hamamatsu.