Kikuhara was born in Kanagawa Prefecture on July 7, 1969. He joined Yomiuri (later "Verdy Kawasaki") from youth team in 1985. In February 1986, when he was 16 years old, he debuted in Japan Soccer League. The club won league champions 3 times, JSL Cup 2 times 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 1993 J1 League, 1992 and 1993 J.League Cup. However his opportunity to play decreased. So he moved to Urawa Reds in 1994. He returned to Verdy Kawasaki in 1996 and retired end of the season.