water from the capital (Kyoto); whitening water
Archaic term for water brought from Kyoto, believed to have a skin-whitening effect. Used historically, not in modern daily life.
In the Edo period, water from the capital was believed to be good for whitening the skin.
Edo-period washing lotion
Archaic term for a type of washing lotion from the late Edo period, possibly named after or associated with the capital's water.
At the end of the Edo period, a washing cosmetic called 'Kyō no mizu' was sold.
Literally 'water of the capital (Kyoto)'. The term reflects historical beliefs about Kyoto's water quality and its cosmetic use.