They can give you an idea about temperament, personality and level of training. As mentioned, these dogs are already housebroken, have some basic obedience and make wonderful companions. By adopting an Akita from an animal shelter, you are literally saving a life. There are a few no-kill shelters throughout the country but the majority of animal shelters are kill shelters. Certainly that's not by choice but necessity.
Shelters can house only a limited number of animals.
To make room for incoming animals, they allow each dog a short time for adoption. If the Akita is not adopted within that time frame, it is killed. Most shelters spay or neuter before the dog is allowed to leave. It will be vaccinated but that's about all the veterinary care it will receive. Some shelters will give you a certificate for a free veterinary check then you're on your own.