Kikuchi was born in Tono on April 12, 1967. After graduating from Tono High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Yomiuri (later "Verdy Kawasaki", "Tokyo Verdy") in 1986. The club won league champions 3 times, JSL Cup 1 time and Emperor's Cup 2 times. In Asia, the club also won 1987 Asian Club Championship. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and founded new league J1 League. The club won the league champions in 1993 and 1994. The club also won 1992, 1993, 1994 J.League Cup and 1996 Emperor's Cup. He was a central player in golden era in the clubs history. In 1999, he lost opportunity to play behind Kenji Honnami. In 2000, Kikuchi moved to Kawasaki Frontale on loan. In 2001, he returned to Tokyo Verdy and retired with his rival Honnami end of the 2001 season.