A mysterious 130ft-high geyser erupted near a religious shrine in Japan.

It was unclear how the rare hot spring formed but it reportedly has been sending jets of water in Oshamanbe, Hokkaido, for more than two weeks since August 9.

Footage shows the giant fountain of water shooting up to the air in the middle of a forest near a Shinto shrine.

Superstitious locals believe the geyser was an omen as it coincided with the summer festival.

Resident Mitsuoto said: ‘It was blowing out water nonstop. It also rumbles and roars like a drum. Scary.'

However, other residents found the geyser a nuisance as it reportedly gave off a strong sulfur smell, so nearby homes had to stay indoors and close their doors every time.

Despite this, tourists mesmerised by the phenomenon began flocking to the small town upon hearing about the geyser.

Tourist Kai said: ‘I was on my way to Sapporo for some business and thought of doing a quick stop over at Oshamanbeto to see the geyser. It was amazing!'

Authorities have already visited the geyser to collect water samples. They found that the water has a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and greyish colour.

After two weeks, the geyser was still as strong as when it first erupted. It was not yet determined how long it would last.

A geyser is a rare hot spring that erupts under pressure and sends jets of hot water into the air.