The potential of the Ōi River valley for hydroelectric power development was realized by the Meiji government at the start of the 20th century.

Its mountainous upper reaches and tributaries were areas of steep valleys and abundant rainfall, and were sparsely populated.

In 1906, a joint venture company, the Anglo-Japanese Hydroelectric Company (日英水力電気, Nichiei Suiroku Denki) was established, and began studies and design work on plans to exploit the potential of the Ōi River and Fuji River in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Tashiro Dam is located in the very northern tip of Shizuoka Prefecture, surrounded on three sides by the high peaks of the Minami Alps National Park, an area of high mountains, forests, and a popular vacation area.

However, the dam itself and its associated electrical power plant are not open to the public, and access to the area by car is prohibited.