Xe adsorption experiments were performed on single wall carbon nanotubes. Fullerene pipes (o-SWNTs) and fullerene ropes (c-SWNT) with open and closed ends were studied under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The elemental purity of the SWNTs was measured using Auger electron spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results clarify the mechanism of Xe transport to and from the interior of the SWNTs. Further, the presence of a quasi-1D confined Xe phase inside the open nanotubes was confirmed.