noun
cover charge; table charge; compulsory appetizer fee
A small fee charged at some Japanese-style pubs (izakaya) for a mandatory appetizer (otoshi) served with the first drink. Not a tip; it is part of the bill.
この居酒屋はお通し代が300円かかります。
This izakaya charges a 300-yen cover charge.
お通し代は席料のようなものです。
The otoshi fee is like a seating charge.