Kiyoshimo promptly took part in a series of training exercises which lasted until August, where she was assigned to the 2nd destroyer division alongside Hayashimo and Akishimo.

[5] From 18-20 October, Kiyoshimo escorted Admiral Takao Kurita's fleet to Brunei in preparation for the battle of Leyte Gulf.

Kiyoshimo was not unscathed, taking one direct bomb hit and several near misses which cut her speed to 21 knots and destroyed her radio equipment.

Kiyoshimo then transported Admiral Hayakawa to Manila, before escorting the crippled heavy cruiser Takao to Singapore, where upon arriving she was drydocked for more permanent repairs on 8 November.

[5] On 26 December 1944, then with the San Jose bombardment force, Kiyoshimo was crippled by two direct bomb hits in attacks by U.S. Army bombers during the approach to Mindoro, Philippines.