Can a real object "symbolize" another real object such as the natural association of Mount Fuji with the nation of Japan?
If so then is "Mount Fuji" a word?
(I refer, of course, to the physical reality of the mountain and not the mountain's name.)

Therefore, "Mt Fuji" is a word, or perhaps two words

not wanting to signify pedanticism (heaven forfend), but haven't we begged the question?! or something?