Yagen Valley Transpotation/Accomodation

We're making plans to visit Shimokita peninsula, and some questions arise. Hope to get some answers here. :)

1. The article about Yagen Valley (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3728.html) says that "there is only one bus per day from Ohata (20 minutes, 540 yen) from May through October". Also I found some info on Wikitravel (http://wikitravel.org/en/Yagen_Valley): "The main route from Ohata (15 km away) and Mutsu has one (1) bus per day at 8:40 in the morning".

So the question is: does that "only one bus" depart from Ohata or from Mutsu Bus Terminal? Is 8:40 an actual departure time from Ohata (Mutsu?)? And when it goes back from Yagen Valley to Ohata (Mutsu?) ?

2. What is the best place to stay on Shimokita assuming that 1) we'd like to visit both Osorezan and Yagen Valley and 2) we do not drive (so should use piblic transport only).

We'd prefer to stay in Yagen Valley (New Yagen Hotel is OK) rather than in Mutsu, but we can't see any proper way to get from there to Osorezan by means of public transportation. Is there a taxi stand at the hotel, may be? Or - can the hotel arrange some transportation to Ohata? Or even directly to Osorezan (and back)? How much can it be? :)

3. How far are Kappa rotenburos from New Yagen Hotel? What kind of a road leads from hotel to the baths?

Many thanks in advance! :)

does that "only one bus" depart from Ohata or from Mutsu Bus Terminal? Is 8:40 an actual departure time from Ohata (Mutsu?)? And when it goes back from Yagen Valley to Ohata (Mutsu?) ?

It looks like that as of 2011, there is no more bus service into the Yagen Valley. The Hotel New Yagen provides a free pick up service from Ohata to its guests:
http://www.newyagen.com/access2.htm

What is the best place to stay on Shimokita assuming that 1) we'd like to visit both Osorezan and Yagen Valley and 2) we do not drive (so should use piblic transport only).

I haven't done yet, but I definitely would like to stay overnight at the temple accommodation on Osorezan next time:
http://templelodging.com/spot/01tohoku/aomori001.html

Otherwise, I recommend central Mutsu City.

We'd prefer to stay in Yagen Valley (New Yagen Hotel is OK) rather than in Mutsu, but we can't see any proper way to get from there to Osorezan by means of public transportation.

There is no direct way by public transportation. You would have to travel by bus via Mutsu to Ohata and then get pick up by the hotel. Or you could try and consult with the hotel. A taxi could be an option for direct transportation between Osorezan and the Yagen Valley, but you would have to call a taxi to Osorezan as I am pretty sure that there is no taxi stand there.

Is there a taxi stand at the hotel, may be?

I don't think so, but you could easily make the hotel call one. A small surcharge will probably apply.

How far are Kappa rotenburos from New Yagen Hotel? What kind of a road leads from hotel to the baths?

About 2.5 kilometers or a 30-45 minute walk along a regular, paved road.

Alternatively, there are some attractive walking trails along the river.

Thank you very much, Uji! :)