Ashikaga was born in Akita Prefecture on May 22, 1950. After graduating from Akita Commercial High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mitsubishi Motors in 1969. The club won the league champions in 1969, 1973 and 1978. The club also won 1971, 1973, 1978 Emperor's Cup and 1978 JSL Cup. He retired in 1978. He played 132 games and scored 36 goals in the league.