The weak link in this statement is positioning travel guides as a simple subset of inspiration through fiction, because it ignores their role as an initial trigger.
Test this: a work of fiction can give a romantic idea of a place, but without practical information from a guide, such as access conditions or best routes, this idea often remains abstract.
In Japan, where meticulous planning is the norm, a guide is often the first concrete step to turn a dream into a real trip.
For example, a detailed guide on Kyoto's temples with precise maps and schedules can inspire a trip much more effectively than a film that only brushes over the city's beauty.