The most common version of this tale ( from the Edo Period ) , tells MomotarÅ came to earth inside a giant peach . The peach was found floating down a river by an old woman without children who was washing clothes there . According to the present form of the tale ( dating to the Edo period ) , MomotarÅ came to Earth inside a giant peach , which was found floating down a river by an old , childless woman who was washing clothes there .