User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 624 - THE FANG/@comment-8669536-20150423111227/@comment-24153155-20150423125344

I just thought it was Yoruichi who opened up the Garganta with another of Urahara's inventions (that pin stuck into the ground). However, the staircase was kinda confusing.

I do agree, it is kinda strange that the technique is only utilized now. When it comes to portals such as garganta and senkamon, perhaps a lot has indeed to do with the races and their inherent abilities. The exception right now might be the Quincy. I don't know whether it was staged, but it kinda looked like Yhwach needed someone (Ichigo) to open up the path up to the SK palace.