Most reviewers have already written most of what there is to say about the wheel. It's a lot less to ride in the non-transparent gondolas. The view is just as good and all that you will miss is transparency beneath your feet. Also, the lines for the transparent gondolas is very very long. Gorgeous at night and you will certainly capture some amazing photos.

We went there early in the morning on a rainy weekday. There we just 2 of us at that time. We chose the car with see through bottom. It is not entirely see through and I don't think it adds more thrill. The ride is about 15-20 mins. We did enjoy the view even though it rained heavily.

This is about 4 blocks or 350 m north of the Osakoko metro station, so it is quite easy to get here by public transit. The Aquarium is right next door. It moves very slowly and gives great views. Price is very reasonable compared to, for example, the London Eye or the Singapore Flyer, especially if you are content with the normal cars rather than the ones with the see-through floor. Wait time for the normal cars was nil; I walked right on. At the top views extend as far as downtown Osaka to the east, the mountains north of Osaka, and the as far east as the Akasi-Kaikyo bridge west of Kobe. Great fun.