The eruptions of Mount Usu (Hokkaido, Japan, 42°32’N, 140°50’E) during 1977-78 completely destroyed the summit area vegetation cover. The present research carried out woody plant species survey during 2015-18 summer seasons on four forest types: closed and open broadleaf, semi-artificial Betula-Sorbus mix and artificial Picea forests. The species, DBH (diameter at breast height) and height of trees were recorded on 5 plots measuring 5 m × 5 m or 10 m × 10 m depending on the forest type. The aim of the research was to compare species composition and growth differences and to track changes in succession based on past researches. The results showed that the relative growth rate (RGR) of DBH increased fastest for the artificial and semi-artificial forests while it was slowest for the closed broadleaf forest. Species composition changes of this latter also indicated short-term successional turnover rate for Betula platyphylla, while Populus suavolens remained dominant. Although it had high RGR, the Picea forest was the least diverse among the forest types. Semi-artificial Betula-Sorbus forest had higher diversity and high RGR, therefore the results showed that mixed plantations with pioneer species such as Populus and Betula are preferred if intervention is required to enhance re-vegetation processes.